Mount Sinai Pair Transplanted in Second Largest Kidney “Swap” in History

Jun 7, 2013 | Your Health

One third of people in need of a kidney transplant will be blood type incompatible with their donor and even more will be incompatible because of harmful antibodies against their donor.  Yet sometimes, one person’s incompatibility can be another’s blessing in disguise.

Take for example Gina Dosso and her sister Maria Dosso.  Gina had kidney failure and was nearing dialysis.  Her sister Maria decided that she would like to donate a kidney to her.  Unfortunately, even though they were related, Gina’s blood had harmful antibodies that would have caused her body to reject Maria’s kidney.  In fact, Gina’s blood had harmful antibodies to greater than 80% of the population making it very difficult to find her any compatible donor.  But rather than give up, with the help of the Mount Sinai Kidney Transplant team, they were enlisted into the National Kidney Registry, an organization that helps incompatible people find other incompatible people to perform a kidney “swap” with.

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Can Acid Reflux Cause Shortness of Breath?

Jun 4, 2013 | Allergy, Ear Nose Throat, Pulmonary Disease, Your Health

Could acid reflux be the cause of my shortness of breath?

Yes. The cause of shortness of breath, recurring bronchial infections and chronic asthma in most patients is acid reflux. In fact, 85 percent of all patients diagnosed with asthma have acid reflux as an underlying cause.

But I don’t have heartburn — isn’t that a symptom of acid reflux?

If all patients with acid reflux presented with heartburn and indigestion, the diagnosis would be easy. As a result, patients would take over-the-counter reflux medication for their uncomfortable, “classic” reflux symptoms. But, what happens when you don’t experience these “classic” symptoms? What if you feel short of breath or keep getting bouts of bronchitis? Naturally, you would go to the doctor, possibly have a breathing test and find that your breathing is not good.

Why doesn’t my allergy medicine help?

Often these patients are diagnosed with allergies or asthma, but their allergy medications and inhalers are not working. They are frequently given recurring courses of antibiotics for bronchial infections. In most cases the diagnosis is not correct and the underlying cause — acid reflux — of all of the symptoms is missed.

How can I tell if acid reflux is the cause?

Inspiratory breathing (in-breath) problems are caused by acid reflux; expiratory breathing (out-breath) problems are symptoms of asthma. Ask yourself: “Do I have more trouble breathing in or breathing out?” When breathing problems are recurring for you and you are frustrated with the symptom management, ask your otolaryngologist (ENT) if you have “silent” reflux.

How can I manage my symptoms?

Conservative management, including avoiding eating 3 hours prior to bedtime, elevating the head of the bed and reducing highly acidic foods, can be very helpful. Some patients require reflux medication. The proper diagnosis and treatment can be very helpful and life-changing for many people. 

Could My Snoring Be Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Sleep surgeon Fred Lin, MD, urges those who snore to be evaluated as it could be a sign of a serious sleep condition.

Is the Sore in My Mouth an Oral Lesion?

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Is My Stuffy Nose Congestion or Nasal Polyps?

An occasional stuffy nose due to allergies or infection can be annoying or difficult to manage. But if you are experiencing chronic nasal congestion...
Woman with nosebleed pinching her nose

Is Dry Air Causing Your Nosebleeds?

Otolaryngologist Isaac Namdar, MD, explains how the change in seasons may cause nosebleeds and why you shouldn’t tilt your head back to stop the bleed.

Treatment Options for Acoustic Neuromas, a Common Brain Tumor

Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness. They are one of the most common brain tumors diagnosed in the...
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NYPD Honor Legion Presents Three Awards to Mount Sinai

May 30, 2013 | Inside, Your Health

One year ago, New York City Police Officer Eder Loor was responding to a 911 call in East Harlem when the 26-year-old man that he and his patrol partner had just apprehended plunged a three-inch knife into Officer Loor’s temple. The blade, which entered just behind his left eye, went to the base of his skull. Incredibly, Officer Loor was able to pull the knife out of his head and keep pressure on the wound until paramedics arrived and brought him to The Mount Sinai Hospital.

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When it Comes to Melanoma and Skin Cancer Screenings, Don’t Forget Your Feet

May 28, 2013 | Health Tips, Your Health

I recently got a call from a man in Arizona who found my name on the internet while he was researching some skin cancer facts. He had seen that I had a particular clinical interest in the early diagnosis of melanoma on the lower extremity, and the foot in particular.

He asked me if when he goes to his dermatologist, should he have his feet looked at. It is interesting that many people do not consider the foot as a place that skin cancer, or for that matter, any kind of cancer can occur. Nothing could be further from the truth.

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My Search for a Better Treatment Option Led me to Mount Sinai

May 1, 2013 | Your Health

“You read the scan, and know it’s in the muscle…have you spoken to your children?,” were the words I heard from the world renowned Oncologist who diagnosed me with Stage IV Appendiceal Cancer, a very rare cancer.  In fact, appendix cancer is diagnosed in fewer than 1,000 Americans each year. I couldn’t win the lottery? What made the diagnosis even more terrifying was that there wasn’t much information out there about this cancer.

The first group of doctors offered me IV chemotherapy to treat the cancer they left in my body, which they would not remove, and informed me that there was a 2% success rate with this treatment option.  I was told there was no other treatment option available.  When they scheduled me for surgery to put a port into my chest for the chemotherapy, I told them I would think about it and get back to them. I never went back.  Where you are treated first doesn’t always offer the best treatment option.

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Baby Boomers Should Get Tested for Hepatitis C!

Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Research, Your Health

According to the CDC, all “Baby Boomers” should get tested for hepatitis C. This is based only on age and for this recommendation Baby Boomers are defined as those born between 1945 and 1965

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral infection of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver transplant, and death. It has been found to be very common in this age group, and, as they age, the consequences of the infection can be more severe and be irreversible before there are any symptoms at all!

The CDC also recommends that people who test positive for HCV be counseled about alcohol intake and referred to a liver disease specialist, who is familiar with the treatments available. This is particularly important now for several reasons.

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