Dr. Randolph Gibbs has seen several cases of lower abdominal or pelvic pain in young women attributed to ovarian cysts in the east valley. "Pain from the cyst can be caused from rupture, bleeding, stretching or torsion," says Dr. Gibbs. The diagnosis can be confirmed by ultrasound. Dr. Gibbs has also noticed a resurgence of swimmers ear, which is usually due to a bacterial infection. Hearing aids should be left out until the infection gets better. "The most common treatment includes ear drops containing antibiotics with or without steroids. Oral antibiotics are indicated in some cases." He adds that swimmers ear can be prevented by keeping the ear canal dry, and free of wax. Dr. Gibbs also suggests "a preventive ear drop solution, which can be made by mixing equal parts of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar."
In Indio, Dr. Kishor Vachhani tells us he's seen a case of MRSP, an antibiotic resistant strep throat pneumonia. He's seeing more and more resistant bacteria because of the overuse of antibiotics, so don't take them "just in case." Upper respiratory infections with serious symptoms are also common right now. These come with body aches and fever, however H1N1 swabs have come back negative. A viral upper respiratory infection is also going around Indio. This issue can affect your nose, throat, sinuses and ears. Symptoms include a scratchy or sore throat, sneezing, a runny nose, and nasal congestion. Dr. Arthur Davis says if you're coughing up green mucus, see a doctor!
This week Dr. Sara Azar says she's seeing some serious cases of pneumonia in Rancho Mirage. It's affecting patients who have other medical problems like COPD, heart disease and diabetes. "While an otherwise healthy person might respond to oral antibiotics, these patients are being admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics. They are presenting with severe shortness of breath, productive cough, fever and sometimes chest pain." She's also reporting urinary tract infections. Dr. Azar says cranberry juice has been shown to decrease the frequency of infections, but does not actually treat them. She's also seeing the usual cases of sinusitis and bronchitis.
And heading west in Palm Springs, Dr. Clifton Cole reports he's seeing the same upper respiratory infection as last week. However, this one lasts about three weeks...much longer than the usual ten days. He's also associated with more wheezing and coughing than usual.
Bronchitis continues to be a problem in Coachella. Dr. Frank Curry says this usually turns out to be viral. He's still seeing viral gastroenteritis...diarrhea is a prominent symptom with this one.
Sore throats are the number one concern in La Quinta this week. Dr. Erica Ruiz reports this lasts about three to four days, and is sometimes associated with an ear infection. Gastroenteritis lasting one to two days is making people sick. Expect vomiting for six to eight hours, then fatigue, nausea and diarrhea. Reflux is made worse by extra holiday pounds, alcohol and fatty foods...so if you cut down on those things you should feel better. If not, then see your doctor.
In Cathedral City, Dr. Seema Bir is treating lots of bronchitis, as well as allergies and sinusitis. She notes allergies impact asthma and COPD exacerbation.
And wrapping things up in Palm Desert...Dr. Andrew Cyrus warns of colds going around. Not only from locals, but also from visitors, who pick up these viruses from planes. The best advice is to try and stay healthy. The rest depends on those around you. Plus...many throat cultures are coming back positive for strep.
Watch "What's Going Around" every Tuesday evening on KPSP Local 2 News at 6:00 p.m. and every Wednesday morning on KPSP Local 2 This Morning at 6:45 a.m.
