Thinking about skipping the floss tonight? Most people don’t realize that a seemingly innocuous gum disease like gingivitis, or an annoying stomach ulcer, can develop into a life-threatening illness if not treated properly. Read on to find out what you need to do to stay healthy and avoid some serious complications.
GINGIVITIS
Gingivitis is a relatively mild form of gum disease that causes tender, swollen gums that tend to bleed when you brush or floss. But if left unchecked, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease, which is associated with coronary artery disease, diabetes and lung disease.
The common denominator for gum disease and heart disease appears to be the inflammatory response, and scientists believe that the inflammation from the gums may spread to other parts of the body, including blood vessels, causing heart attacks and strokes. “Gum disease is a low-grade inflammatory infection,” said Dr. Sally Cram, a Washington, D.C.-based periodontist. “Do we know that it’s cause and effect? No, but we’re seeing what seems to be a pretty high association between these things.”
Inflammatory gum disease can also affect diabetics, making it difficult to control blood sugar. By the same token, diabetics who get treatment for gum disease often find it easier to maintain glycemic control. In addition, a study in the Journal of Periodontology found that patients with respiratory diseases like pneumonia and bronchitis were more likely to have periodontal disease. Although more studies are needed, it is believed the infections were caused by bacteria from the mouth being inhaled into the lungs. Cram advises patients with any of the risk factors linked to gum disease be meticulous with oral care.
SHINGLES
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. It tends to strike people 60 and older and the rash, blisters and pain may last for a few weeks. However, approximately 40 percent of shingles sufferers over 60 may develop a debilitating condition called postherpetic neuralgia which can last for months or even years, according to the Columbia University Department of Neurological Surgery. The pain of postherpetic neuralgia ranges from a mild ache to an excruciating stabbing sensation, making it difficult to sleep or keep up a normal daily routine.
“I would urge individuals who develop a rash to see their physician in a timely way,” said Dr. Raymond Roos, a professor of neurology at the University of Chicago Medical Center. “Particularly if this rash is a blistering one and on one side of the body, in a relatively localized position.” If shingles patients take an antiviral within 72 hours, it reduces the pain and shortens the course of the infection, as well as lowering the chances of getting postherpetic neuralgia.
CHLAMYDIA
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 2.8 million chlamydia infections occur annually. The sexually transmitted disease is often asymptomatic and, if untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Shelly Holmstrom, a professor at the University of South Florida, advises all her patients under the age of 25 to get tested, as well as anyone who has been with more than one partner.
“The most troublesome complication of chlamydia is infertility,” said Holmstrom. “It can spread from the cervix, causing scarring around the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well as chronic pelvic pain.” Although chlamydia is easily cured with antibiotics, if it is left untreated, approximately 40 percent of women with chlamydia will develop pelvic inflammatory disease, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
PEPTIC ULCERS
While stress and overeating were once considered to cause ulcers, scientists have determined that the culprit is typically a bacterium that inflames the lining of the stomach. Ulcers can also be triggered by certain medications for osteoporosis, as well as the frequent use of pain relievers containing aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen.
If untreated, peptic ulcers can develop into peritonitis, an inflammation of the tissue that lines the abdomen, causing bloating, pain and nausea. Peritonitis can be life-threatening and require surgery. Common treatments for peptic ulcers include antibiotics, acid blockers, as well as medicines that help protect the stomach’s lining.
GINGIVITIS
Gingivitis is a relatively mild form of gum disease that causes tender, swollen gums that tend to bleed when you brush or floss. But if left unchecked, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease, which is associated with coronary artery disease, diabetes and lung disease.
The common denominator for gum disease and heart disease appears to be the inflammatory response, and scientists believe that the inflammation from the gums may spread to other parts of the body, including blood vessels, causing heart attacks and strokes. “Gum disease is a low-grade inflammatory infection,” said Dr. Sally Cram, a Washington, D.C.-based periodontist. “Do we know that it’s cause and effect? No, but we’re seeing what seems to be a pretty high association between these things.”
Inflammatory gum disease can also affect diabetics, making it difficult to control blood sugar. By the same token, diabetics who get treatment for gum disease often find it easier to maintain glycemic control. In addition, a study in the Journal of Periodontology found that patients with respiratory diseases like pneumonia and bronchitis were more likely to have periodontal disease. Although more studies are needed, it is believed the infections were caused by bacteria from the mouth being inhaled into the lungs. Cram advises patients with any of the risk factors linked to gum disease be meticulous with oral care.
SHINGLES
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. It tends to strike people 60 and older and the rash, blisters and pain may last for a few weeks. However, approximately 40 percent of shingles sufferers over 60 may develop a debilitating condition called postherpetic neuralgia which can last for months or even years, according to the Columbia University Department of Neurological Surgery. The pain of postherpetic neuralgia ranges from a mild ache to an excruciating stabbing sensation, making it difficult to sleep or keep up a normal daily routine.
“I would urge individuals who develop a rash to see their physician in a timely way,” said Dr. Raymond Roos, a professor of neurology at the University of Chicago Medical Center. “Particularly if this rash is a blistering one and on one side of the body, in a relatively localized position.” If shingles patients take an antiviral within 72 hours, it reduces the pain and shortens the course of the infection, as well as lowering the chances of getting postherpetic neuralgia.
CHLAMYDIA
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 2.8 million chlamydia infections occur annually. The sexually transmitted disease is often asymptomatic and, if untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Shelly Holmstrom, a professor at the University of South Florida, advises all her patients under the age of 25 to get tested, as well as anyone who has been with more than one partner.
“The most troublesome complication of chlamydia is infertility,” said Holmstrom. “It can spread from the cervix, causing scarring around the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well as chronic pelvic pain.” Although chlamydia is easily cured with antibiotics, if it is left untreated, approximately 40 percent of women with chlamydia will develop pelvic inflammatory disease, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
PEPTIC ULCERS
While stress and overeating were once considered to cause ulcers, scientists have determined that the culprit is typically a bacterium that inflames the lining of the stomach. Ulcers can also be triggered by certain medications for osteoporosis, as well as the frequent use of pain relievers containing aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen.
If untreated, peptic ulcers can develop into peritonitis, an inflammation of the tissue that lines the abdomen, causing bloating, pain and nausea. Peritonitis can be life-threatening and require surgery. Common treatments for peptic ulcers include antibiotics, acid blockers, as well as medicines that help protect the stomach’s lining.
