Ashtabula County Medical Center | ACMC Pulse | Summer 2016

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Q It seems like as I get older, I
need to clear my throat or
cough more. Should I be worried
about lung problems?
A As we age, our body goes
through physical changes, and
we are more susceptible to illnesses
and diseases. Respiratory tract
infections—bacterial or viral—are
the most common cause of acute
cough. That’s why physicians warn
patients over the age of 65 to get the
flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine.
However, there are other risks,
especially if you are or were a smoker.
COPD—chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease—is a general
term for any breathing disease, such
as bronchitis and emphysema. COPD
is a chronic disease that will only
worsen if left untreated. There is no
cure. If you cough frequently, suffer
from repeated colds or the flu, or
feel out of breath with mild exertion,
see your physician, or schedule an
appointment with a pulmonologist.
ACMC offers a free COPD support
group. Contact Respiratory Care
Services Director Melissa Shanley at
440-997-6696 for more information.
To schedule an appointment with
Dr. Srivastava, call 440-997-6969.
ASK US ANYTHING
or via private message on Facebook at
Our physicians will answer them publicly
on our website at and on our social
media sites on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Dr. Soldrea
Thompson,
ACMC OB-GYN
Dr. Sanjay
Srivastava,
ACMC
Pulmonologist
Dr. John Hill,
ACMC
Pain Management
Q I know menopause is a natural
part of aging, but can I expect
the symptoms to get better after a
while?
A There has been a revision lately
of how menopause is defined.
Menopause starts when a woman
ends regular or irregular menstrual
cycles. During this time you may
experience typical symptoms of hot
flashes and night sweats, vaginal
dryness, and sleep disturbances.
Once you have gone a year
without your period, you are in
menopause. Your symptoms will
diminish, but menopause does not
end, and you are now at greater risk
for other health concerns.
If you do not see a medical
provider on a regular basis, you
should schedule an appointment to
talk about the risk of osteoporosis,
heart disease and other risks
women face as they age. If you see
an OB-GYN, continue regular visits
for pelvic exams, Pap smears, breast
exams and mammograms.
To schedule an appointment
with an ACMC OB-GYN, call
440-997-6915.
WHEN
CONSIDERING
options for treating
pain, please realize
that no option may completely
alleviate your pain. If that is the
case, we should look to minimize
the pain so that you can function.
Everyone has a different level
of pain tolerance, and there are
multiple options. Surgery is just one
option. Medication is another. We
work to find the right medication
and the minimum dosage needed
to get you to a level of pain you can
tolerate and regain function.
There are also anti-inflammatory
drugs injected right at the site of
the pain. Most people do well with
these and can avoid the risks and
side effects of taking narcotics.
Beyond that, we also look at
physical therapy to help with range
of motion and mobility.
If you suffer from chronic pain,
talk to your medical provider. If you
do not have a provider, schedule an
appointment with an ACMC family
physician or nurse practitioner
by calling 440-997-6969. If your
physician refers you to a pain
management specialist, call ACMC’s
Interventional Pain Center at
440-997-6700.
Lung health
Menopause
Back pain: You have options
10 ACMC Pulse •