Join the Docs - What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm? - Under Pressure!

What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm? - Under Pressure!

Explicit content warning

03/19/24 • 29 min

Join the Docs

Welcome to the AAA-Team's special episode of Join the Docs, and today, we're exploring the explosive world of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) starring your favourite dynamic duo with their trusty sidekick Slim the skeleton! It's no joke - this condition is a big deal, so join Doctor Nigel Guest and Professor Jonathan Sackier and buckle up for a rib-tickling ride through the twists and turns of AAA.

Your aorta, the main blood vessel supplying your gut, kidneys assorted organs, pelvis, and legs, suddenly decides to blow up like a balloon. That's what we call an abdominal aortic aneurysm. But set your funny bones aside, because if that balloon bursts, it's no party — it can be life threatening! AAA can be triggered by a variety of genetics and lifestyle choices, with smoking, high blood pressure, and sky high cholesterol levels being the usual suspects.

Now, the symptoms of AAA are sneaky little devils. So what should you look out for? Chronic back pain and discomfort “downstairs” are two tell-tale signs. If not addressed, AAA can even cause sudden death! But fear not, The Docs are here to make sure you're armed and ready to tackle it head-on.

Prevention and early detection are our bread and butter (well...easy on the butter). What measures can be taken, especially even for over 55s accustomed to smoking a pack of 20 cigarettes daily, or individuals with a family history of health issues, even if they seem perfectly healthy? The Docs discuss screening techniques like ultrasound and CT scans to proactively catch an abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) before it catches you.

For the itty-bitty, less immediately serious aneurysms, it’s a good idea to keep them in your peripheral vision, with regular screening. But if they start getting too big for their boots, it's time to ‘go all in’ and have a surgeon visit your AAA. Whether it's performing surgery to address abdominal issues or inserting a stent to protect your arteries, rest assured, we've got the right tools to fix you up good as new.

It's not all about what we can do in the operating room. Lifestyle changes are the real superheroes here. Quitting smoking, reducing your blood pressure, and keeping cholesterol levels in check are the ways to go. Hard to stomach, but worth the change.

So, remember, knowledge is power! Stay on top of your health, get regular check-ups, and don't be afraid to make some changes along the way. With a bit of know-how and the right care, we'll beat AAA together and keep you laughing all the way to good health!

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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on Join the Docs are those of Dr. Nigel Guest, Jonathan Sackier and other people on our show. Be aware that Join the Docs is not intended to be medical advice, it is for information and entertainment purposes only - please, always take any health concerns to your doctor or other healthcare provider.

We respect the privacy of patients and never identify individuals unless they have consented. We may change details, dates, place names and so on to protect privacy. Listening to Join the Docs, interacting on our social media, emailing or writing to us does not establish a doctor patient relationship.

To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

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To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

Previous Episode

The Mysteries of Itching - Let Me Scratch that Itch

Why, when one gets an itch, is it almost impossible not to scratch it? Our parents told us not to, but you just can’t help it! How do you tell if it's a harmless scratch or a warning sign of something far more sinister? Professor Jonathan Sackier and Dr. Nigel Guest dive deep into the world of pruritus in this episode of Join the Docs.

From the nerve pathways that make us squirm, to the more serious systemic diseases, The Docs have got you covered in grease - or perhaps something else to soothe the irritation of Doctor Guest’s awful jokes.

They’ll discuss some of the common causes of itching, from pesky poison ivy to serious liver woes. Eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions; no itch is left unscratched as we explore treatments and research breakthroughs.

They'll uncover the origins of itching, classify it, and give more details on the various medical conditions that surround itching. Whether it's allergies, viruses, fungi, or skin infections causing the itch, The Docs will be discussing everything under the sun.

From environmental triggers, to medication-induced itchiness, we'll cover it all, including varicose eczema, chickenpox, athlete's foot, and more. They offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals and families coping with chronic itching conditions, accompanied by practical strategies for alleviating symptoms and fostering support networks.

So, grab your back scratcher and join us as we scrape beneath the surface – separating the harmless itches from the more serious.

If you want to read more info about this week’s episode, head on over to the website where Jonathan goes into more detail here.

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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on Join the Docs are those of Dr. Nigel Guest, Jonathan Sackier and other people on our show. Be aware that Join the Docs is not intended to be medical advice, it is for information and entertainment purposes only - please, always take any health concerns to your doctor or other healthcare provider.

To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com

Next Episode

Don’t Let The Bed Bugs Bite - From Paris to New York, Be Careful Who You Go To Bed With!

How can something so small cause such big headaches? Welcome to another wild ride with your favourite “Persistent Pests,” Nigel and Jonathan. Today, we're diving into the shady underworld of bed bugs. Join Dr Nigel Guest and Professor Jonathan Sackier, who's spent more time than he'd care to admit getting cosy with these bloodsucking bugs.

First, we uncover the ancient history of bed bugs; how these creepy crawlies have been making humans squirm for centuries, from ancient civilisations to the modern day. We’ll talk about bed bug behaviour, their life cycle and just what makes them such stubborn little buggers.

But it's not just the annoyance of bites that bed bugs bring – those itchy, scratchy bites can be pretty brutal. Dr. Nigel's here to share advice on how to deal with the aftermath and why prevention is key. Plus, we'll discuss the potential risks, from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions.

Why do bed bugs continue to be a source of anxiety and frustration for many people? From the stigma to the sleepless nights, Prof. Jonathan's got tips on how to act when the bugs come knocking, how to cope with the psychological toll and the importance of seeking professional help when needed.

Now how the heck do we get rid of these mattress maniacs? It’s the million-pound question. Well, we're all in this together. The Docs reveal innovations in pest control, exploring the efficiency of various methods to tackle bed bug infestations. They also talk through how we can all pitch in to fight the good fight against bed bugs, from responsible measures for infestations to the ongoing challenges in eradicating these sofa stowaways.

But hold onto your hats, folks, because here's the kicker – these pests are tougher than they look! The Docs discuss their resilience to pesticides and why controlling their spread is like trying to herd cats. Harder actually - bed bugs are like movie vampires, almost impossible to kill!

So grab your bug spray and a strong stomach, because this episode of Join The Docs is gonna be one for the books! Strap in, hang tight, and get ready to uncover the secrets of bed bugs.

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To Contact Us:

For a deeper dive on this episode’s issue, merchandise and exclusive content, head to www.jointhedocs.com