2 | With Age Comes Wisdom

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5 | Eating for Better Health: GERD 6 | What the Heck Is … Endobronchial Ultrasound?

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What’s Behind That Chronic Cough?

Did You Know? Scientists have measured the air speed of a cough at almost the speed of sound.

You thought the cough that developed weeks ago would disappear after a few days, but it still has you hacking day and night. Is it asthma, or could there be something else to blame?

ANY COUGH THAT lasts at least eight weeks is considered chronic, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Often, people assume that asthma is the cause, a belief that’s not too far off-base: Twenty-five percent of individuals who have a chronic cough may have asthma, according to the

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. However, asthma is certainly not the only reason someone might develop a persistent cough.

“If a patient’s chest X-ray appears normal, asthma is a possibility,” says Rebecca Corley, MD, pulmonologist and critical care physician at Olympic Medical Center. “We might also investigate postnasal drip and

gastroesophageal reflux disease as potential causes. Reflux can irritate nerves in the esophagus and prompt coughing.” Other potential chronic-cough triggers include smoking or medications, such as ACE inhibitors, that are primarily used to treat high blood pressure.

MORE THAN A BAD COUGHThe longer a cough lasts, the more likely it is to affect quality of life.

Rebecca Corley, MD

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With Age Comes Wisdom

“A chronic cough can disturb sleep and cause sore throat and hoarseness,” Dr. Corley says. “It can also have social consequences. People may not wish to be around someone with a chronic cough out of fear the individual has something contagious.” If you have a persistent cough, see your primary care provider, who may refer you to a pulmonologist. The sooner you seek medical help, the sooner your lungs and throat can find relief.

Talk to your primary care provider about a cough that won’t go away. Don’t have a primary care doctor but need urgent care? Visit the OMP Walk-In Clinic in Sequim at 840 N. 5th Ave., Suite 1400.

It’s never too late to kick your nicotine addiction, but the first step is making the decision to give up tobacco for good.

What’s Behind That Chronic Cough? continued from page 1

“THE BEST WAY to quit is to just pick a date and stop buying cigarettes,” says Rebecca Corley, MD, pulmonologist and critical care physician at Olympic Medical Center. “Sometimes your first attempt isn’t successful. If you do have a relapse, pick back up the next day and try again.”

No matter your age, kicking the habit can lead to long-term benefits. Quitting at age 65 or older can add roughly 1½ to 3½ years to your life. You’ll lower your risk for heart attacks, stroke and numerous types of cancer.

If you have smoked for a long period of time, talk to your health care provider about low-dose computed tomography (CT) lung screenings, which are available at Olympic Medical.

“Anyone between ages 55 and 70 who currently smokes or has quit within the last 15 years may qualify for low-dose CT scans,” Dr. Corley says. “We’ve made

incredible advances in treating lung cancer, but you still have the best chance of a cure when the disease is found early.”

Find links to Washington’s Tobacco Quit Line and other resources at www.olympicmedical.org. Select “Smoking Cessation” under “Health Resources.”

TREATING THE CAUSE

Determining the best treatment for chronic cough involves figuring out what’s causing it. To do this, a medical provider will ask the patient to share information about his or her medical history and about the cough itself, including when it began and its duration. Next, the provider may order a chest X-ray or other assessment, such as spirometry, or a lung function test to determine how well the patient is breathing. “If the individual smokes, I would strongly recommend quitting, and if he or she takes a medication that is associated with chronic cough, I may consult the prescribing physician about an alternative,” says Rebecca Corley, MD, pulmonologist and critical care physician at Olympic Medical Center. “Medications can be used to treat postnasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease or asthma, depending on what the evaluation reveals is causing the cough.”

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With Age Comes Wisdom

Breathing BetterWithout FluGot a chronic lung condition? Then getting a flu vaccine should be your No. 1 priority this winter.

Ways to Look Out for Your Lungs

Smoking and allergies aren’t the only threats to your lungs.

EVEN IF YOU don’t smoke or aren’t bothered by allergies, your lungs encounter a number of foreign invaders that can trigger chronic cough or viral illnesses or that may worsen conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“Household cleaners and pesticides can irritate lungs,” says Rebecca Corley, MD, pulmonologist and critical care physician

at Olympic Medical Center. “Burning yard waste also releases particulates and harmful gases that can be serious irritants for some people.”

5HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF1. Compost your leaves. Leaf litter is great for lawns

and doesn’t pose an air-pollution risk.2. Use greener cleaners. Baking soda and vinegar are

easy on your lungs – and wonderful cleaners. If you must use harsh products, open windows for ventilation.

3. Pay attention to pollen. Replace your HVAC system’s air filters every three months, and avoid drying laundry outside during allergy seasons.

4. Practice basic hygiene. Wash hands or use hand sanitizers, brush your teeth twice a day, and limit time spent in large crowds to minimize exposure to viruses.

5. Get a flu vaccine. This is especially important for children and the elderly, whose immune systems aren’t

as robust.

Learn more about environmental infl uences on lung health by visiting www.lung.org. Select “Lung Health & Diseases” and then “Protecting Your Lungs.”

LUNG DISEASES, SUCH as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can be especially problematic during flu season. If people who have these conditions catch the flu, they are at a high risk for developing complications, including asthma flare-ups and pneumonia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The flu vaccine is the best, safest protection we have against the flu,” says Rebecca Corley, MD, pulmonologist and critical care physician at Olympic Medical Center. “Even if you are not considered high-risk, the flu is a horrible illness that typically takes you out of work, school and life for a week.”

As more people get immunized, the less

likely the flu is to spread, Dr. Corley adds. This protects not only those with chronic lung conditions but also those who cannot get the vaccine because of a weakened immune system. Other preventive steps you can take? Wash your hands frequently, and if you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading the flu to others.

Protect yourself and your family by getting immunized today. Use the Flu Vaccine Finder at www.fl u.gov to fi nd a clinic close to you.

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NANCY AHLSTROM, MDDr. Ahlstrom joined the hospitalist team in June and provides acute care services in the inpatient units of the hospital. She is board-certified in internal medicine and

sub-specializes in nephrology.

LEE BAKER, MSN, ARNPBaker is a registered nurse practitioner who has cared for patients at the OMP Walk-In Clinic in Sequim since September. Previously employed for five years at a community

health center in Connecticut, Baker earned her master of science in nursing from the University of Connecticut.

BECKY GODBY, ARNPGodby is a nurse practitioner who specializes in psychiatry. Her expertise in behavioral health complements primary care services provided

at all three OMP Primary Care Clinics in Port Angeles and Sequim, as she provides consultative services and supports medication management for patients who may have mental health needs.

MARTIN KORB, DOAnother new hospitalist on our team, Dr. Korb started in August. A board-certified internist, Dr. Korb earned his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree

from Touro University Nevada and completed his residency in 2014 after three years with Danville Regional Medical Center in Virginia.

BRADLEY KRALL, PA-CKrall, certified physician assistant, joined OMP Primary Care Clinic on 8th & Cherry in May. Krall is experienced in providing health care in rural settings. For 12

years, he provided family medicine at the Quileute Health Clinic in La Push.

MARK ROSENGREN, DODr. Rosengren, a board-certified primary care physician, joined OMP Primary Care Clinic in Sequim in January. He attended Touro University College

of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, California, and completed his internship and residency with Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu.

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Celebrates Our Growth

The Newest Members of

Olympic Medical Center is expanding its campus in Port Angeles to provide more access to physician services for the community.

OLYMPIC MEDICAL CELEBRATEDthe groundbreaking of the new Medical Office Building with a ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the site of the future facility in Port Angeles.

“We designed this building for the coming decade,” says Eric Lewis, CEO of Olympic Medical.

The new Medical Office Building will feature:• 42,000 square feet• 63 exam and procedure rooms• 240 new parking spots for the Port

Angeles campusIn addition, nine old buildings will be razed

by the completion of the project in 2016.“The Port Angeles Medical Office Building

is a huge step forward for Olympic Medical,”

Lewis says. “More importantly, it’s a huge community asset that will serve our residents – current and future – for generations to come.”

Tom Oblak, Olympic Medical 2015 Board President, told attendees at the groundbreaking, “Today is a good day. Everybody wins.”

Specifically, he pointed out that the facility helps meet the health care needs of the community and also gives staff and providers a good place to do what they do best: “provide excellence in health care.”

“In just over a year, our staff will take occupancy

of this building to do what they do so well – provide

excellence in health care.”– Tom Oblak, Olympic Medical Center’s 2015 Board President

Olympic Medical Physicians has welcomed six new providers to date in 2015, with more expected by year’s end.

Your Health Care TeamYour Health Care Team

www.olympicmedical.org 4

healthy living now

Eating for Better Health:

GERDAfter-meal acid reflux can do more than spur painful indigestion.

Oven-Roasted Brussels SproutsFeaturing two cold-weather favorites, apples and Brussels sprouts, this recipe adds festive color to any meal. Low in fat and free of highly acidic seasonings, the dish is also a great choice for those with frequent heartburn.

PEOPLE WITH GASTROESOPHAGEAL reflux disease (GERD) experience chronic acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid travels upward into the esophagus. Although you likely associate GERD only with digestion, the condition can also irritate your lungs and airway, causing chronic coughing and hoarseness and worsening asthma symptoms, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

GERD & YOUR DIETMany factors contribute to GERD, but you can limit your

discomfort, and GERD’s impacts on your lungs, by avoiding certain foods. Also, keep portion sizes in check – eating large meals can make reflux more likely – and have dinner at least three to four hours before bed.

If you have GERD, you should limit your intake of fatty and highly acidic foods and drinks, such as:• Alcoholic beverages• Barbecue sauce, ketchup and other bottled condiments• Citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruits

• Chocolate • Coffee and tea• Dairy products, including whole milk and cheese• Diet and regular sodas• Fried foods and fatty cuts of meat• Spicy dishes and dishes seasoned with garlic• Strawberries• Peppermints

So what can you eat? A diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, fish, chicken and GERD-friendly fruits, such as bananas, watermelon and cantaloupe, will keep you satisfied and, most importantly, healthy.

DIRECTIONSIn a mixing bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, olive oil,

thyme, salt and pepper. Set aside.Place the apples and sprouts in an 11-by-17-inch baking dish.

Add the vinegar mixture and toss well to thoroughly coat. Bake at 375 degrees until the Brussels sprouts are tender, about 25 minutes.

For a well-rounded, acid reflux-friendly meal, serve with a skinless, baked chicken breast.

INGREDIENTS2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme¼ teaspoon salt½ teaspoon black pepper½ cup chopped apples8 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered

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NUTRITION INFORMATION Makes 2 servings

Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 0.5g

Calories: 110Carbohydrates: 15g

Dietary Fiber: 5gSodium: 177mg Protein: 4g

Recipe courtesy of the Produce for Better Health Foundation, www.morematters.org.5 www.olympicmedical.org

939 Caroline StreetPort Angeles, WA 98362

For more information, contact Olympic Medical Center at www.olympicmedical.org.

What the Heck Is ...Endobronchial Ultrasound?

Endobronchial ultrasound gives your physician highly detailed images of your airway, boosting the accuracy of a diagnosis and reducing your need for surgery.

DURING AN ENDOBRONCHIAL ultrasound, a thin flexible tube with a small ultrasound chip affixed to its tip is inserted down the trachea and into the lungs. When the ultrasound chip is turned on, a doctor is able to visualize any abnormalities that might indicate lung cancer, lymphoma, an infection or an inflammatory condition, and even biopsy those abnormalities if needed.

“Traditionally, these conditions would need to be diagnosed with tissue samples, which are usually obtained with surgery,” says Raj Deol, MD, a physician in the departments of pulmonary medicine, critical care medicine and internal medicine at Olympic Medical Center. “With endobronchial ultrasound, there’s no incision, no postoperative pain and no need for an overnight hospital stay.”

A 360-DEGREE VIEWBecause endobronchial ultrasound gives doctors a clearer picture of your

respiratory tract, they’re able to diagnose conditions with greater accuracy. The procedure also allows doctors access to areas of the lungs that would be virtually impossible to reach using traditional diagnostic tools.

“We are very fortunate to have this technology locally,” Dr. Deol says. “Before it was available, people on the peninsula would have to travel to Seattle for a procedure of this sort. Now, we can take care of lung issues locally.”

To learn if this procedure is right for you, talk to your doctor. Recipe courtesy of the Produce for Better Health Foundation, www.morematters.org.

Raj Deol, MD

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLAS VEGAS, NV

PERMIT NO. 3016