The Hidden Risks of Patient Obesity

We all know obesity isn't healthy and comes at a high cost to your health. It may cause serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and skeletal fracture. Despite these risks obesity is rising in the United States. Global Data reported that in 2012 167 million Americans were obese. The growing number of obese patients also is creating additional problems in healthcare. 

One Size Doesn't Fit All

It's often assumed that obese patients are able to receive identical care and diagnostic procedures as patients at a healthy weight. As patients' weight increases more challenges occur in trying to treat them. 

Obese patients pose a special problem in obtaining diagnostic images. Patient tables designed before 2000 often are unable to hold patients exceeding 400 lbs. X-ray tubes and fluoroscopic equipment also yield poor quality images due to the increased density of obese patients. More radiation must be used to obtain diagnostic images, but put the patient at greater risk. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) also might be ruled out due to the patient's size. 

What can be done?

The only remedy to deal with the limitations of diagnostic equipment is to buy newer models that are designed to image obese patients. Some MRI tubes are now open bore. Newer computer software produces diagnostic quality images while using lower amounts of radiation.

Hospital Risk

There also are added risks associated with patient obesity. Nurses and assistants are placed at greater physical risk in caring for these patients. Staff might injure their backs as they try to move, lift and transport obese patients who are unable to move themselves. Sometimes there are not enough nurses to care for these patients.

What can be done?

Make sure there is available equipment to help your staff while treating obese patients. Patient lifts and belts are useful, but also assign enough nurses when caring for an obese patient. One nurse isn't sufficient if the patient is unable to move himself.

The High Cost of Obesity

Obese patients run a higher risk of leading unhealthier lives. While it's important to have equipment and hospital staff to care for obese patients it doesn't address the real problem of rising patient obesity. Education is important in letting the public know about obesity and the health problems associated with excessive weight.

- Kim Schure ARRT (R)

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Heartburn or Heart Attack? How can you tell?

With Thanksgiving upon us many of us are looking forward to eating lots of rich food. Almost inevitably this will lead to sleepiness and indigestion. Sometime overeating or eating the wrong food triggers a burning pain centered in our chest. 

Most likely the pain is caused by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The burning sensation occurs when stomach acid travels from the stomach into the esophagus. While our stomach has a protective layer of mucus our esophagus does not. Many people mistake the burning pain of stomach acid in the esophagus with a heart attack due to the proximity of the organs.

It's important to note when the pain occurred and if its onset is close to mealtimes. Another common source of chest pain is a gallbladder attack which may cause intense chest pain and nausea. Be aware of when the pain occurred, its location and if it's triggered by eating rich food.

Here are some guidelines in determining the cause of your chest pain. 

Symptoms:

Heartburn 

• Burning sensation during or after eating

• Sour taste in the mouth

• Pain worsening when you lie down or bend over

• May be triggered by eating certain foods

• Occurs often near mealtimes

• Pain may last minutes to hours

Gallbladder attack

• Pain in the right upper abdomen

• Nausea or vomiting

• Burping or gas

• Pain may radiate to right shoulder blade

• Discomfort after a rich meal

• Attack may last minutes to an hour after eating

Heart attack

• Pain or "vise-like" pressure in your chest

• Shortness of breath

• Sweating, nausea, vomiting and/or dizziness

• Discomfort that lasts a few minutes, disappears, then returns again

Regardless of the cause of chest pain, it's important to get it checked by a physician.

If you believe you are having a heart attack you should go immediately to the Emergency Room.

Stay safe and healthy this holiday season!

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