Medgeeks with Andrew Reid

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...

In this latest Bugs and Drugs episode, we will discuss a very rare bacterial disease that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract. However, it can affect other organs such as joints, heart and lungs. This infectious disease is known as Tropheryma whipplei or Whipple disease. Your patient might present with chronic diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain and joint problems. To help you correctly...

For those that travel to paradise, you are looking forward to sunshine, sandy toes and…intestinal pain? Tropical Sprue, not to be confused with traveler's diarrhea, is a chronic malabsorption syndrome that can plague those living in or visiting tropical regions. Symptoms like chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue can turn your dream vacation into a living nightmare. We'll break down how to di...

In this episode, we will talk about a microbe lurking in your water. It can cause intestinal problems such as diarrhea, stomach cramps and bloating. It's found in contaminated water and undercooked or raw foods and is one of the most common waterborne illnesses in the United States. This microscopic parasite is giardia. Giardia can be diagnosed from a stool test or microscopic examination. And is...

Knees causing trouble again? This time, it is not gout, but an imposter known as pseudogout. Now what is pseudogout, you ask? Think of it as gout's mischievous twin. Like gout, it triggers sudden knee pain and inflammation, but instead of uric acid crystals, it is calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals in your joints. The symptoms are similar to gout, swelling, redness and pain, often in...

Happy New Year! Have you or your patient ever experienced a pain in your toe so agonizing it feels like someone stabbed you in the joint? Then you might have what used to be known as, "the disease of kings," also known as gout. We will dive into exploring gout, busting myths, exploring remedies and offering tips to keep those crystals calm. Join Dr. Niket Sonpal as he unravels the myths and misery...

Happy holidays! Let's take a deep dive into the world of water, that essential liquid we sometimes take for granted.  In this episode, we'll be busting some myths about water's most popular misconceptions. Is the pH in that alkaline water better for you? Is 8 cups of water enough to keep you hydrated throughout the day? Does dark urine mean you are dehydrated? Join Dr. Niket Sonpal on this refresh...