Blog Archive

Coughing, a prevalent symptom across various illnesses, can often leave us wondering about its root cause. This article delves into distinguishing the coughs associated with COVID-19 from those linked to other conditions such as the flu, common cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and seasonal allergies. Features of COVID Cough: Research...

Asthma is a common respiratory condition, but it holds a wealth of intriguing and surprising facts that many people are unaware of. In this blog, we'll delve into the world of asthma to uncover some of the most astonishing facts about this condition, providing you with a deeper understanding of...

Your heart is an incredible organ, tirelessly pumping blood to nourish your body. It's crucial to take care of this vital muscle, and our cardiologists at Alpha Internal Medicine are here to provide expert guidance on maintaining a healthy heart. Here are the top 5 heart health tips that our...

Living with diabetes can be a challenge, but with the right knowledge, support, and lifestyle choices, it's possible to maintain a high quality of life while effectively managing this condition. At Alpha Internal Medicine, we understand the importance of comprehensive care for diabetes patients. In this blog post, we'll provide...

As winter approaches, you might be wondering why you're hearing about more people falling ill with common respiratory viruses. To understand this surge in illnesses, we need to dive into a concept called the "immunity gap." So, what exactly is the immunity gap, and why is it causing an increase...

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it's often associated with heart health, many are unaware of its significant impact on kidney health.  The Kidneys' Vital Role Your kidneys are remarkable organs responsible for filtering waste products and...

Breathing is a fundamental aspect of life, yet for those living with asthma, each breath can feel like a battle. However, with the right knowledge and tools, asthma can be effectively managed, allowing individuals to embrace life to the fullest. In this blog, we'll delve into the world of asthma...

Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, can be uncomfortable and disruptive to our daily lives. This common condition occurs when the sinuses become inflamed and swollen, leading to various symptoms that can be bothersome. In this blog, we will explore the signs and symptoms of sinus infections, available treatment options,...

Hormone imbalances can have a profound impact on overall well-being, affecting both physical and emotional health. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, and when they are out of balance, it can lead to a range of symptoms and health issues. Physical Symptoms: Hormone imbalances can manifest...

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a prevalent health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic condition that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. While medication may be necessary in some cases, adopting a healthy lifestyle centered around diet and...

Living with diabetes involves managing various aspects of one's health, including the impact it can have on the skin and nails. High blood sugar levels can lead to specific complications, such as dry skin, numbness, and changes in toenails. Recognizing these issues and taking proactive measures is crucial for individuals...

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a prevalent medical condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide. It is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and other health complications. Understanding the causes, risks, and effective lifestyle modifications for managing high blood pressure is crucial for maintaining optimal health.  What...

Regular health screenings are essential for women to proactively manage their well-being and detect potential health concerns early. Women's health screenings involve a series of tests and examinations that help assess overall health, identify risk factors, and detect potential issues in the early stages. Below, we explore the importance of...

Women's health is a complex and multifaceted topic that encompasses various physiological and psychological aspects. One crucial factor that significantly influences women's well-being is hormone balance. Hormones play a vital role in regulating numerous bodily functions, affecting everything from reproductive health to mood stability and overall vitality. When hormone imbalances...

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels due to inadequate insulin production or ineffective insulin utilization in the body. Managing diabetes is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing complications. In this blog, we will delve into the...

Dermal fillers offer plenty of face-smoothing benefits from a short in-office appointment that you can make in the middle of the day without disrupting the rest of your schedule. The majority of brand name fillers use a formulation based on hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in your body that...

Diabetes isn’t a single condition, but rather a group of diseases that cause blood sugar to rise. Some conditions, like gestational diabetes and prediabetes, may be reversible. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are chronic conditions that require lifelong management. Chronic diabetes conditions have the potential to cause serious damage to...

Did you know that, over time, your expressions take a toll on your appearance? Worry lines and squinting lines happen so often, the muscles that form them take on a permanent semi-contracted state. In combination with thinner, less elastic skin, these active wrinkles can make you look older and more...

Beer, wine, and mixed drinks are common ways to unwind from the effects of a busy life. Occasionally indulging at moderate levels can ease tension in a tasty, enjoyable way. Indulging beyond a certain point, though, can contribute to health issues, and one of the most serious is high blood pressure. ...

Described by some as the worst sore throat they’ve ever had, strep throat typically comes on fast and hits hard. The problem starts when you’re infected by group A streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat is contagious, spreading through the air, by touch, or when you share food or drink with someone.  While strep...

Having a cold or flu can make life miserable for about a week. It’s common for acute bronchitis to extend your illness by a few more days, sometimes leaving behind a nagging cough that lasts weeks.  Chronic bronchitis sounds similar in name, but it carries a cough that lasts for...

It’s estimated that 103 million Americans have high blood pressure. That’s over 30% of the population. Hypertension is a silent disease with few symptoms, and those generally appear only when it reaches dangerous levels. Many people may not be aware they’re at risk.  Blood pressure testing through a medical clinic...

There’s often a sense of freedom when you reach menopause. There are no more monthly periods or pregnancy surprises. Many women find it a liberating time of their lives.  However, there are often a wide range of body reactions to menopause, which is driven by reduced production of estrogen in the...

With the advent of walk-in and urgent care clinics, it may seem as though you have plenty of health care options, reducing the need for a primary care physician. While it’s true that you have unprecedented access to a wide range of services, the relationship you build with your primary...

Your body constantly makes new bone tissue to keep itself strong, but after your 20s, the rate of production slows. You reach peak bone mass in your 30s, and then bone loss starts to overtake new growth.  It’s not always an issue, but for some, this loss of bone mass...

When the typical symptoms of seasonal allergies flare up in the cool weather months, you may be wondering why, particularly if you head indoors when spring and summer allergies hit. It turns out that the indoor environment has its own set of allergens to which you might be vulnerable.  That’s...

Chances are that when you have a sore throat, it’s not caused by a bacterial infection. Strep throat only accounts for a small percentage of sore throat cases and it’s not usually associated with an upper respiratory illness, like cold or flu.  The pain can start very quickly, feeling sharper...

The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is often magical, a reward for a busy, hard-working year. Traditions and celebrations with friends and family abound, often accompanied by favorite foods and drinks.  Sometimes it may feel like the holidays are sent to challenge you if you’re managing hypertension. Your...

Bronchitis and the common cold are so closely connected that it’s easy to consider them the same malady. However, that’s the acute version of bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial passages that produces the thick, discolored mucus that you likely associate with a cold. In about 10 days, your symptoms...

Changes in hormone levels over the course of a lifetime are normal. Adolescence comes as a result of a huge upswing in gender-defining hormones, controlling the journey from childhood to adulthood.  Similarly, these same hormones fall off as a person’s reproductive years begin to pass. For women, this means menopause,...

Few people look forward to lines and wrinkles on their face. While these sometimes form because of a healthy life well lived, they still create a first impression that might be older than you feel.  Crow’s feet, sometimes called laugh lines, are one of those confusing indicators. It’s great to...

Caused by a bacterium in the streptococcus family, strep throat is an infection that most frequently affects children, though it can spread to people of any age. Strep throat is easy to treat with antibiotics, so it’s rarely dangerous, as long as you seek medical treatment.  Alpha Internal Medicine in...

You likely call it a double chin. Medically, it’s called submental fullness, and doctors consider this a very common condition. On its own, there are no particular health symptoms or consequences, but this storage space for fat can dramatically alter your appearance. You may seem older or heavier than is...

There’s no secret to healthy eating when you have diabetes, though sometimes it can be difficult to implement around the demands of a busy life or to break habits you’ve had for decades.  The goal of healthy eating with diabetes is to reduce and stabilize the levels of sugar in...

Once you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual period, you’re officially in menopause. The average age for American women is 51, but the process can start in your 40s. Menopause can also result from a hysterectomy or cancer treatment.  Because you’re no longer actively reproductive, your body’s estrogen level drops...

Aching molars are no fun. For some, it can be nerve-wracking, with accompanying thoughts of impending dental visits. However, there’s a cause of aching teeth that has nothing to do with your oral care routine.  The roots of your upper back teeth are quite close to the sinuses, so if...

When you perform well under the pressure of a tight deadline or feel exhilarated after a round on a roller coaster, you’re feeling some of the positive benefits of stress. These contrast dramatically with the effects of chronic stress, such as from constant high-pressure work environments or from a series...

If you’re not thrilled about the prospect of a gynecological exam, particularly when you feel fine, you aren’t alone. Studies show that pelvic exams are a source of anxiety for the majority of women having them. It’s natural to feel the urge to skip a medical appointment when there seems...

Almost 8 million Americans chose Botox® Cosmetic and other botulinum toxin type A products for aesthetic treatment in 2019. That’s more than five times the total of the top five cosmetic surgeries done in the same year. Botox relaxes overactive expression muscles in the face, smoothing your skin in a...

Asthma results from a breathing condition caused by swollen airways that constrict the passage of air. Common symptoms include dry cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. It’s a common childhood condition, affecting over eight percent of children in the United States.  However, people of all ages develop asthma. Childhood asthma...

While osteoporosis can affect anyone, the condition favors women who have reached menopause. Your bones become weaker and brittle, often leading to fractures caused by surprisingly little force.  You can, however, take steps now to prevent the advance of osteoporosis later. Discuss your concerns with your doctor at Alpha Internal...

Over 100 million American adults have some degree of hypertension, the medical name for high blood pressure. Despite this, only about one-quarter of them have their condition under control, and this is possibly because there are few obvious symptoms of high blood pressure, particularly as it’s developing. By the time...

It’s been less than 100 years since the accidental discovery of penicillin, the first antibiotic used therapeutically. Scottish researcher Sir Alexander Fleming found a strange mold growing on a culture plate that inhibited the growth of the staphylococcus bacteria. It wasn’t until 1942 that the first American patient was treated...

Though asthma affects over 25 million Americans, there’s nothing common about the experience. The factors that trigger attacks, the intensity of attacks, and reaction to asthma medications can all be unique experiences, making every case an individual condition. If you or someone in your family have asthma and you’re struggling...

Hormones are your body’s messenger system. They send the chemical signals that tell your body when to do this or that, coordinating virtually every system inside you. It stands to reason that when hormone balances change, so do the functions of those systems. Perhaps the best-known result of hormone imbalance...

While results can be dramatic, resorting to facelift surgery to correct the effects of time on your skin is a drastic step. Any surgery carries potential risks, and the length of recovery needed makes a facelift a serious decision.  It’s no surprise so many people turn to minimally invasive procedures...

Though menopause is perhaps the most recognized condition brought about by declining hormone production, both women and men experience changes in their primary sex hormones as they age. These fluctuating levels create new health issues for both genders. Hormone therapy often proves beneficial for relief from these symptoms, but conventional...

You’ve got enough on your plate dealing with asthma, so when allergies flare up, the extra respiratory distress is unwelcome. Yet, sometimes it seems that an asthma attack follows closely after you suffer an allergic response. It’s not an unhappy coincidence, it’s a condition called allergy-induced asthma, which affects about...

While people of any age can get strep throat, it’s a bacterial infection that favors children between the ages of 5 and 15, usually during the colder months of the school year. Children will contract strep throat about once every four years, on average. Dr. Betsy Horton and the team at Alpha Internal...

Bronchitis is a serious respiratory illness, which can be either acute or chronic. While at first you may think you have a simple cold with bad congestion and cough, bronchitis is anything but harmless. Untreated, bronchitis can turn into pneumonia,  which is much more serious and difficult to get rid...

Have you recently received a Pap smear, and to your surprise, the results came back positive, meaning that abnormal cells were found on your cervix? If so, it’s important to understand what that means for your health. At Alpha Internal Medicine we pride ourselves on the care we provide for...

Are you dreading the start of flu season, but have questions and concerns about how vaccines work? There’s a lot of information out there, and it’s hard to know which sources to believe.  At Alpha Internal Medicine in Fayetteville, Georgia, we care about our patients, from small children to senior...

From the moment you enter the world, your hormones are hard at work regulating your sleep cycle, mood, metabolism, and heart rate. When your hormone levels are in balance, your body functions as it should. But if there’s any shift in hormone levels, you and your body feel it. At...

Does it ever feel like stress is a mandatory part of your life? Modern culture seems to put extra emphasis on being tired and stressed. If you’re not stressed, you’re obviously not doing enough or giving a full 100%. It can feel like you’re competing with other people’s misery, trying...

Are the hormonal effects of menopause making it more difficult for you to cope with everyday challenges? If so, you aren’t the only one. Many women report a lower quality of life due to menopause symptoms. The average American woman reaches menopause at age 51. However, the symptoms that accompany...

Being overweight is more than just a body-image issue or a matter of vanity. Obesity leads to serious health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, the kind where your pancreas doesn’t process insulin properly. If you have diabetes, you are among the 7.2 million Americans struggling to manage symptoms and...

Asthma is a long-term lung disease that inflames your airways, making it difficult for you to breathe. A number of treatments can help you live a normal life, however. When traveling, you need to manage your asthma effectively, and the doctors at Alpha Internal Medicine can help you develop a...

Kybella is a liquid injection of a medicine that has been in use for over 20 years for other medical applications. It has natural fat-destroying activity. It is FDA approved to destroy fat cells under the chin giving a better side profile for those wishing to improve this area. The...

Most women know regular Pap smears are important for diagnosing cervical cancer in its earliest (and most treatable) stages, but what many women don’t know is how often they should have a Pap smear in order to help them stay healthy. And even if you do keep track of Pap...

CBD OIL The hemp or cannabis plant is made up of many components that have been used for centuries for medicinal and other purposes. The two most popular components of this plant are A) tetrahydro cannabis(THC) and b) cannabidiol (CBD). The THC component is the part of the plant that...

Your hormones play a major role in a surprising number of your body’s processes and functions. Unfortunately, as we get older, our bodies tend to produce fewer hormones than they did when we were younger. That’s true for both women and men. And as a result, we can wind up...

Sculpsure is state of the art in body contouring using laser energy to melt fat cells. The treatment consists of applying frames just larger than the size of a credit card to the area that is being treated. Gradually, the frame heats the fat tissue below the skin layer.  the...

As a physician, one of the most common reasons I encounter for people refusing to take prescription medications is concern for side effects. This is a reasonable concern, because the point of medication is to make you feel better rather than worse, right? Here's one example of a side effect list:...

In Georgia, spring is just around the corner. For many people, the earliest indicators of spring aren’t necessarily the crocus blossoms and tiny new leaf growth, but those pesky, annoying symptoms that go hand-in-hand with spring allergies. The one good thing about spring allergies: They always occur at about the...

Vaccines are no more enjoyable to receive as an adult than they were when you were a child, but they’re equally as important. In the United States, millions of adults get sick every year from vaccine-preventable diseases such as the flu and hepatitis, leaving them bedridden and out of work...

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, one of the first things doctors will tell you is to cut out the salt, which is one of the biggest contributors to high blood pressure numbers. So you remove the salt shaker from the table and endeavor to check the sodium content of...

Does it seem like you can’t make it through the year without getting a cold or the flu? These respiratory illnesses are both highly contagious, but you can take some simple steps to lower your risk of getting sick. Here at Alpha Internal Medicine, we’re always available to answer your...