Dr. Starpoli's Blog

The Rise of Nurse Practitioners: A Challenge for American Physicians

astar@pobox.com (Anthony A. Starpoli, MD) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:15:00 GMT

Discover the growing trend of patients choosing nurse practitioners over physicians and the challenges it poses for American doctors.

Improving Patient Care: Lessons for Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

astar@pobox.com (Anthony A. Starpoli, MD) — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:11:17 GMT

Discover valuable lessons that primary care doctors can learn from nurse practitioners to enhance patient care and satisfaction.

Silent Acid or Throat Reflux

astar@pobox.com (Anthony A. Starpoli, MD) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 18:57:58 GMT

Silent acid reflux, also known as Laryngopharngeal Reflux or LPR, is a condition that you could be suffering from without even knowing it, and can have many negative impacts on health. Similar in many ways to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (better known as GERD), there are a few critical differences that can make silent reflux very difficult to treat, and even harder to diagnose.

As opposed to traditional GERD, silent acid reflux may not present itself with symptoms normally associated with the condition. Normally reflux disease causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat, as well as the stomach. LPR is called silent reflux because often it does not cause these same problems, but can cause a number of other symptoms--including, but not limited to:

Chronic couging or hoarseness
Asthma or breathing problems
Sleep apnea
Constant need to clear the throat
Excess mucus build up

Caused by a weakness in the muscles between the esophagus and the stomach, silent reflux can have many negative long and short term implications such as recurring ear infections, ulcers in the stomach and throat, scarring of the throat and voice box, in addition to very serious conditions like emphysema and cancer. It is interesting that at the time of upper endoscopy when examining the esophageal lining, it can appear very normal yet people present with symptoms mostly in the throat area. The lining and membranes of the throat area are very delicate and not as durable as the esophageal lining. So, when the reflux material comes up into the throat area it is more apt to be causing injury. Often the gastroenterologist will work with the ear nose and throat physician to properly manage the condition. Ultimately if reflux is proven and one is not responsive to medical therapy, consideration to procedural therapy for reflux would be appropriate.

It takes a very skilled Gastroenterologist to diagnose silent acid reflux--if you suspect you may have the condition, it is important to consult a Physician immediately.

PPIs causing bone fracture is not proven. PPIs are not risk free.

astar@pobox.com (Anthony A. Starpoli, MD) — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 18:45:21 GMT

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is a miracle in the eyes of many people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux) also known as GERD. By blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach lining that produces acid, the fluid in the stomach contains less acid. This can help ease the symptoms of GERD and even allow the esophagus to heal, since even if the stomach juices back up into the esophagus, it's less irritating.

A Beginner's Guide to TIF for GERD: Everything to Know

astar@pobox.com (Anthony A. Starpoli, MD) — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 05:35:17 GMT

Want Relief for Irritable Bowel Syndrome? See a Gastroenterologist.

astar@pobox.com (Anthony A. Starpoli, MD) — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 11:30:00 GMT

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects about 11% of the global population, but only 30% of those people seek a physician's guidance in treating symptoms.

The Importance of Getting a Colonoscopy to Screen for Colon Cancer

astar@pobox.com (Anthony A. Starpoli, MD) — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:30:00 GMT

It's commonly said that getting annual colonoscopies as you age is something that most people should prioritize. This is especially true for men.

Diet for Hemorrhoidal Sufferers: Tips for Preventing Hemorrhoids

astar@pobox.com (Anthony Starpoli) — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 10:45:00 GMT

1 in 20 people suffer from hemorrhoids, also referred to as piles. Symptoms range from mild irritation to extreme pain that disrupts your lifestyle.

The Many Dangers (And Solutions) to Untreated Acid Reflux

astar@pobox.com (Anthony A. Starpoli, MD) — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 11:45:00 GMT

Over 60 million Americans have heartburn at least once a month. Chances are, you're one of these Americans.

Anal Cancer: Learn the Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments Available

astar@pobox.com (Anthony Starpoli) — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 14:29:46 GMT

Are you concerned about possible anal cancer? Do you know what to watch for and when to call your doctor?