The following three examples illustrate the medical detective work involved in the diagnosis and treatment of three common conditions using the science of functional medicine.

CASE 1: Sinus Infections and Allergies

Traditional Medical Approach:

The patient was an adult male with a chief complaint of sinus infections and allergies for a period of six years. He had previously consulted with three medical physicians. Medical testing included a CT scan of the sinuses, which was negative for any pathologies. Treatment consisted of the following prescriptions: Sudafed, Claritin-D and Allegra.

Results were poor.

Functional Medical Approach:

Based on an extensive history and review of his medical records, the doctor ordered an Airborne Allergy test and food sensitivity test. The results revealed that the patient was highly allergic to Aspergillus fumigatus and Alternaria alternata molds. The patient was instructed in how to identify molds in his residence and at work and what steps to take to eliminate them. The patient was prescribed a natural pharmaceutical that increases his immune system’s defense against molds and fungi.

After three weeks, the patient was completely free of symptoms and has remained that way for the last two years.

CASE 2: Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Fatigue

Traditional Medical Approach:

The patient was a 27-year old female with an 11-year history of irritable bowel syndrome and fatigue. She had previously consulted with four medical physicians before scheduling a Functional Medicine appointment with the doctor. Medical testing included an upper and lower GI study and colonoscopy, all of which were found to be negative for any pathologies. Treatment consisted of the prescription Hyoscyamine.

Results were poor.

Functional Medical Approach:

Based on an extensive history and review of her medical records, the doctor ordered a Digestive Stool Test and Allergy Blood Test. Two bacterial pathogens were found to be infecting her intestines: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Citrobacter freundii. The medical literature clearly linked these two pathogens to diarrhea disease. In addition, her allergy test revealed a significant sensitivity to gluten and rice. The patient was prescribed a natural pharmaceutical that helped eradicate the two bacterial pathogens and was placed on an elimination diet addressing the rice and gluten.

After one month, she was symptom-free.

CASE 3: Menopausal Symptoms

Traditional Medical Approach

The patient was a 61-year old female with menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, decreased libido, and weight gain over a period of five years. Patient had previously consulted with one medical physician, who performed no medical testing. Treatment consisted of the prescription Estrace.

Results were fair, but the patient was concerned about the drug’s potential side effects.

Functional Medical Approach:

Based on an extensive history and review of the patient’s medical records, the doctor ordered a Women’s Hormonal Panel. The results were quite revealing. Her estrogen/progesterone balance was significantly compromised, with too much estrogen and not enough progesterone. This imbalance was the main cause of the patient’s roller-coaster emotional challenges.

After this information was presented to her physician, she was prescribed the proper balance of estrogen and progesterone. The patient eventually went to a compounding pharmacy and had a special formula of estrogen/progesterone made. She became symptom-free and experienced an increase in energy.