Dr. Ruth Spector
Critical Care
West Islip, NY
37 years experience female
Locations
Office
WEST ISLIP, NY
About
Bio
My expertise is truly in Intensive Care. We take pride in treating the entire patient, including infection prevention, nutrition and mobility
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Critical Care
Anesthesiology
Internal Medicine
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
39 Answers
2 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 56-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Not likely: Diabetics can have atypical signs and symptoms when experiencing a heart attack, these are not them. But if there is any doubt get checked at your do... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
See a professional: If you are in otherwise good health and no endocrine problems, then I would suggest seeing a psychologist to help you figure out what is causing the c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Yes: They are more at risk when they have infections etc since they have less "lung" reserve to maintain their oxygenation. It also depends on why they ha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Depends on severity: The more volume one loses, the more severe the injury to organs. So depending on the severity of dehydration, how long it has been present or when it... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
See your primary: Could be many things? if you don't have a belly ring then most likely is a small cyst or lipoma. would want to know if you feels these bumps anywher... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Too much digoxin : Some of the symptoms include fatigue, confusion, yellow vision, abdominal cramps, diarrhea. It also can cause bradycardia or slow heart rate and chan... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Yes: Here are some of the more common signs and symptoms of liver failure: yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice), easily bleeding that doesn't stop in a "nor... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Yes: Pancytopenia means low counts of red and white blood cells as well as platelets. When your red blood cells are low it is called anemia. Our red blood ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Yes and no: Atherosclerosis is narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels. It occurs in people with high cholesterol , with hypertension and can run in families... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Benefits vs risks: If the benefits significantly outweigh the risk is one way. Another reason is that there may not be any other treatment options, and the condition it... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Hyper"activities": Briefly-- heart palpitations or arrhythmia a, anxiety, sweating, weight loss, tremors, difficulty concentrating, diarrhea, weight loss, " bug eyes", h... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Perhaps: Sorry that is so vague but it depends on what you mean by overdose and if you had any kidney or liver issues beforehand. Ibuprofen is in a class of d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
No.: Hot water cannot kill the COVID-19 virus
you would need soap as well and scrub for at least 20 seconds
OR
You need alcohol based or antibacterial/vira... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
84 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
EPIPEN (epinephrine) and 911: Anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency. If an Epipen is available inject immediately. Then call 911. The patients swells up, their airways close ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
No: Most people would "pass out" then would. Start breathing before an brain damage could occur. Or they just could not hold their breath long enough. The... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Ignore: Drink water based fluids all day long. Avoid alcoholic drinks and caffeine. Wear breathable clothes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 53-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Remove debris: Filters will remove cellular debris, small or microscopic clots. They should be used for all transfusions although there are different types dependin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
7000 mg : A person should not take more than 4000 mg a day and that is still a very high dose. 7000 mg can be lethal. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, jaundic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Change your routine: One way to lose weight again is to change your exercise routine. For example, if you only do one type of exercise, try to : alternative with a diffe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Fluids: Alcohol is a diuretic , causing dehydration due to fluid loss (urination). The best way to stay hydrated is fluid intake. Since many alcoholics do not... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Compensatory: Many things can cause an increased production of Lactic Acid in our bodies. When our oxygen levels or delivery of oxygen are lower than what we need, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Raise blood pressure: Too much noradrenaline or norepinephrine causes increased heart rate, increased blood pressure and "opens up" airways to make it easier to breath if y... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Probably: Ecg monitors provide information as to rate, rhythm and pattern of our heart. When a person is having an acute "heart attack" , usually the pattern o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Yes: An underactive thyroid can cause low blood pressure. But there are a multitude of causes for hypotension such as dehydration, adrenal insufficiency (... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Arrhythmia: people develop arrhythmias at different ages. Or perhaps you had too much caffeine or stimulants that day. I suggest you follow up with a cardiologi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Yes. Losing weight amd starting an exercise regimen wii help
Lower your cholesterol
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Oct 12, 2021
A 52-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Steroid replacements: The adrenal gland produces more than one type of steroid . In adrenal crisis, the patient needs intravenous fluids, intravenous steroids and rest-true... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
See your dentist: infection, burn or irritation to area including a cut.
should have it checked by a dentist or oral surgeon. Try salt water rinses although that may h... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Get tested: Malignant hyperthermia can run in families. Although your cousin is not in your immediately family you may still be affected.
To be tested a muscle ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 59-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Either: There are many causes of feeling tired. One is abnormal blood pressure, either high or low. Some people are tired due to anemia or low blood sugar. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
It may: Women's menses cycle can be affected by many situations--stress, weight loss or gain, hormonal changes. I would not be worried if during your illness... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Variety: Hypothermia or low body temperature can be caused by endocrine disorders, most commonly hypothyroid , infection or exposure to prolonged elements. Th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Yes and no: In renal failure, you need to limit proteins, phosphorus , potassium and sodium. Since your kidneys are unable to clear these nutrients, you can have... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
No: But you could make a living will and chose a health care proxy whom you can discuss what you would or would not want medically done to you if you we... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Not usually: Dehydration causes your urine to be more concentrated so it appears a deeper yellow. If the dehydration is severe and a person's blood pressure is low... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Muscle soreness: Most likely from straining of the muscles since it is related to movement
You could have lifted something heavy
or moved in an awkward way
Treat with... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
84 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
You can eat whatever you want but the beat advise is a well balanced diet and a prenatal vitamin or at least a multivitamin
The key is not to drink al... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Oct 12, 2021
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Extremely unlikely amd almost impossible
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Oct 12, 2021
A 51-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ruth Spectoranswered
Critical Care 37 years experience
Many people are proponents of plant based diet. Eating cruciferous vegetable do have some health benefits, increase your fiber intake and decrease ri... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Jun 14, 2021
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
70
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Spector is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Spector is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
This made me feel good. Thanks! Thank you for your help. I really appreciate that. I don't have a 6 pack a day. Sometimes it's 1 beer and sometimes more. So you made me feel really good.
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Guess I will buy home pressure kit, next. Bye!
HealthTap member
Thank you great explanation I appreciate it
Education & Training
Residency
Beth Israel Medical Center ,NYC
Residency
Cornell Medical Center, NYC
Awards
Top Critical Care Specialist , Second Place, National - Summer
2013
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