Medical scams & gems

Health@Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

‘INSPIRE’ for Sleep Apnea?

The commercials on “Inspire,” the implantable stimulator of the hypoglossal nerve that controls the tongue to prevent it from falling back and obstructing the airway, is not transparent, disingenuous, and confusing to the public. It is a dishonest ad that infers “Inspire” is the treatment for sleep apnea, and a superior one. This is not true. The golden standard of care for obstructive sleep apnea is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) which keeps the airway open and unobstructed for healthy breathing and air exchange. All of this, without surgery. “Inspire” is an alternative for those who do not tolerate CPAP and is not the “first choice.” “Inspire” also requires surgery, an invasive procedure to implant a nerve stimulator for the tongue.

Other misleading ads

Besides the fake news in the social media, ads on television and other commercials often advertise to sell, skirting around the truth and honest information, with claims that are not supported by science or fact. Some of these items are Balance of Nature fruits and vegetables capsules, Prevagen, and Neuriva pills to improve brain health, Ampalaya capsules for diabetes, to mention a few. Eating the required 8 servings of fruits and vegetables is healthier than taking the questionable processed capsules. There are also thousands of cosmetic and other products with all sorts of claims that are false. I have yet to see randomized, double-blind medical evidential data from renowned medical or research centers to prove that these products are safe, and effective as claimed in the dosage they recommend. In many cases, the unsuspecting public is duped and scammed into parting with their money by unconscionable entrepreneurs.

Unfortunately, the U.S. FDA and DOJ, etc., are unable to monitor/oversee these manufacturers and protect the public. Indeed, caveat emptor!

Stem cell Rx

Similarly, medical (some are physicians) businessmen, motivated by the glitter of money are making bold claims that they can administer stem cell therapy “with good results” for a younger feel and look, for rejuvenating arthritic painful joints, for prevention of cancers, and other ridiculous contentions. Those are all misinformation victimizing the innocent and gullible, just to pad their pocketbook. At this point in time, June 8, 2023, the “ONLY stem cell-based treatment that is (scientifically legit) routinely reviewed and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is hematopoietic (or blood) stem cell transplantation to treat patients with cancers and disorders that affect the blood (like leukemia, etc.) and the immune system.” All other claims are false and scams.

‘Smokeless’ COPD

The most common and popular form of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is the one caused by cigarette (tobacco) smoking. People who have never smoked could also develop COPD, as seen among those with GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease) whose GE valve has somehow gotten incompetent, allowing hydrochloric acid (naturally found in the stomach to aid digestion) and acid fumes to be inhaled. This “invisible acid” is inhaled into the lungs and causes damages to the pulmonary tissues, much like what tobacco smoke does to the lungs. Over the years, a GERD patient, especially those not treated, will develop COPD and all its symptoms.

GERD Rx

Some helpful tips for those with GERD. Discomfort by the pit of the stomach, right under the breastbone, could be from acid reflux from the stomach causing a burning sensation in the lower ends of the food pipe (esophagus). Consult your physician; elevate the head of your bed about 10-15 degrees, to prevent stomach contents from going back up to the food pipe; avoid soft drinks (they are toxic), spicy foods, coffee, and alcohol, especially at night; eat about

3-4 hours prior to bedtime; and take your prescribed medications for acid reflux, like famotidine at night and esomeprazole in the midmorning. Drink plenty of water. Your physician might recommend an initial upper endoscopy to vie the food pipe and the stomach.

Poop ‘transplant’

Human fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) is an FDA-approved procedure to collect, process, and transplant feces from vetted health donors to sick patients who had antibiotic therapy who developed C. difficile colitis as a result of the therapy which killed some good bacteria in the gut, and lately FMT is being tried for those with Ulcerative Colitis. The procedure is done through colonoscopy to introduce the processed donor stool into the patient’s gut. A “poop” capsule is being developed, yes, to be swallowed. I am sure it would be an odorless and neatlooking capsule. (Imagine swallowing someone else’s poop to get better. Amazing science, indeed!) FMT would eliminate the need for colonoscopy to transplant the donor feces. The aim is to replenish the healthy bacteria thru FMT and achieve a healthy microbiome. The cost of the entire procedure is nearly $1,000. Almost as expensive as gold!

LGBTQ issues

We must accept all God’s creations, regardless of color, religion, gender, political affiliations, for our own mental health and sanity. Stop the debate already as to which bathroom to use, which sports (competition) team to join. The issue is complex but to me, the solution is plain and simple: Have three bathrooms: One for females, one for males, and one for the LGBTQs. And if the LGBTQ wants to sub-divide their bathrooms for their specific preferences, so be it; and have 3 separate distinct competition leagues: one for females, one for males, and one for LGBTQs to compete against fellow LGBTQs, or a sub-division of this group, if the LGBTQ wants. In other words, let us understand and accommodate each group, or subgroup, and the LGBTQ group should also be sensitive to, understanding, just and compassionate with the original two genders. Let