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EDITOR’S NOTE: Physicians, providers, and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in "Healthwise Maui," which appears in The Maui News. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana'i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.
Q: Will taking vitamins or supplements help my wound heal faster?
James R. Williams, MD, Infectious Disease, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic: You need extra nutrients when you're healing, and while getting nutrition from food is usually the first choice, in some cases, supplements can help fill the gaps.
Supplements can be especially helpful for certain people who are healing a wound and might have trouble getting the nutrients they need from food, including:
• Those with dietary restrictions.
• People with medical conditions or taking medications that affect appetite.
• People who have trouble absorbing certain nutrients.
• People with nutrient deficiencies.
When you're healing a wound, your body is burning extra energy, growing new tissue, and activating the immune system to prevent infection. Nutrition provides the fuel and raw materials your body needs to heal faster and more efficiently.
Protein is the most important nutrient for wound healing, but adequate calories, hydration, vitamins, and minerals are also necessary to support tissue repair and prevent complications.
While there's a time and a place for supplements, they aren't a substitute for eating well and getting most of your nutrition from food if possible.
The nutrients you get from food tend to be absorbed more efficiently by your body, and whole proteins like fish, eggs, and tofu provide a wider variety of amino acids than protein bars and shakes. You can usually meet most of your nutritional needs for healing by having lean protein at every meal, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water.
For people with diabetes, good blood sugar control is an important part of wound healing. Elevated blood sugar levels and a high A1c can slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection. In addition to following your wound care plan, maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and managing diabetes as directed by your healthcare provider can help wounds heal more effectively. Protein remains the most important nutrient for tissue repair and should be included with every meal whenever possible.
Still, if you think you might benefit from supplements, talk with your doctor or a nutritionist. They can determine if you have any deficiencies or dietary concerns that need to be addressed, and then create a nutrition plan to support the healing process.
Maui Memorial Medical Center's Wound Care and Hyperbaric Therapy Clinic provides a comprehensive approach to wound healing, including advanced care for non-healing wounds. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (808) 986-4500 or visit mauihealth.org/woundcare.
Q: How do I know if someone is in shock, and what should I do?
Caesar Ursic, MD, Maui Memorial Trauma Medical Director and General Surgeon, Maui Memorial Medical Center: Shock occurs when someone's blood flow drops suddenly, and their organs can't get enough oxygen. It's a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Shock can be caused by many different things, from severe blood loss to heart problems to anaphylaxis from an allergic reaction. Symptoms can vary. Look for signs including:
• Cool, clammy skin. The person may appear pale or ashen, and their lips or fingernails may look blue or gray.
• Shallow, rapid breathing or not breathing at all.
• A fast and/or weak pulse.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, which may lead to fainting.
• Weakness, drowsiness, or fatigue.
• Restlessness, anxiety, agitation, or confusion.
• Enlarged pupils.
If you think someone is in shock, call 911 immediately. Even if symptoms are mild, don't wait for them to get worse.
First aid involves keeping the person as safe and stable as possible until help arrives. Once you're safe, don't move the person if they might have a head or spine injury, and avoid moving them if they might have broken bones. Don't give them anything to eat or drink. If they are not breathing, make sure their airway is clear and start rescue breaths.
If the person is breathing, help them stay warm. Treat the cause of the shock if you can. For example, apply pressure to bleeding, or use their EpiPen for an allergic reaction.
If they are vomiting or bleeding from the mouth, gently roll them on their side, keeping their head, neck, and back aligned.
If someone is in shock, they need emergency help. By knowing the signs, calling 911, and keeping them safe, you could save their life.
As an American College of Surgeons Level III Trauma Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center delivers lifesaving care for injured patients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our emergency department providers are experienced in treating shock and other life-threatening conditions. Learn more about our trauma services at mauihealth.org/trauma.