Numbness on one side of your body can be caused by a wide variety of health conditions and may be a medical emergency. Causes include damage or compression of a nerve, stroke, and systemic medical concerns. Fortunately, the location of your sensory issues and any corresponding symptoms can help you hone in on their origins. Seek Emergency Care Sudden numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg is a warning sign of a stroke....
What Is Nurtec ODT? Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is a disintegrating tablet (ODT) taken by mouth that’s used to treat and prevent migraines, a leading cause of disability worldwide. It belongs to the drug class called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists. Nurtec ODT works to prevent migraines by blocking special receptors in the brain. It also stops inflammation of blood vessels and the brain during a migraine attack. Rimegepant is used in people who cannot use drugs in the triptan family, including people who have had a stroke, heart attack, or other heart issues....
People with asthma may not need to worry about their condition leading to a deadlier case of COVID-19. Key Takeways A review published in the Journal of Asthma found that asthma is not a contributing factor for COVID-19 mortality.People with asthma also appear to be contracting COVID-19 at lower rates than people who do not have asthma due to behavioral choices.Anti-inflammatory medication for asthma has been used to manage COVID-19 in lower doses for people who do not have asthma....
At its most basic, a pre-existing condition is a medical condition you have before you apply for health insurance coverage. Pre-existing conditions used to be an obstacle to obtaining coverage in the individual health insurance market in most states, but the Affordable Care Act (ACA) changed that. Why Pre-Existing Conditions Used to Be a Big Deal Prior to the ACA, insurers in most states used medical underwriting to determine an applicant’s premium and eligibility for coverage....
Researchers at the Creighton University School of Medicine have identified a drug that can protect against hearing loss in mice, and they think it can work in humans, too. The best part: It’s a drug already on the market. Key Takeaways Researchers have identified an oral chemotherapy drug that can protect against hearing loss resulting from noise exposure and cisplatin use (another common chemotherapy medication).There are currently no FDA-approved medications to prevent hearing loss....
Scoliosis causes an abnormal C-shaped or S-shaped curve of the spine. Usually the curvature of the spine is monitored over time, and intervention may be recommended when the curve of the spine is more than 25 to 30 degrees. The curve can create an uneven waistline, one shoulder higher than the other, or compression of the lung depending on the severity of the curve. Experts agree that children with spine curvatures of 45 to 50 degrees will need surgery to reduce the curve and prevent further curvature over time....
Singulair (montelukast) is a leukotriene modifier used to help manage mild persistent asthma or prevent exercise-induced asthma. Additionally, it is sometimes used as an adjunct (add-on) therapy, often with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Singulair is also indicated for treating allergic rhinitis (allergies). Leukotrienes are substances released by white blood cells in the immune system in response to contact with an allergen. They cause inflammation, mucus, and airway constriction (narrowing) which together cause symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and cough....
What legally is and isn’t tax-deductible can often be confusing. Expenses for professional medical services and prescription drugs are usually tax-deductible. When it comes to over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplies, though, it is a gray area. Some items you might think are deductible are not, while other items are but only in certain circumstances. The IRS rules about tax deductions can change from year to year. It is important to check the list of acceptable deductions annually for changes or updates to the rules....
A fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a procedure that’s used to sample cells from the thyroid gland for microscopic examination. This test is used in the diagnostic evaluation of a thyroid mass (also known as a nodule) or when there’s a suspicion of thyroid cancer. During an FNA, a very fine, thin needle is inserted into the thyroid gland to aspirate (remove) cells and/or fluid from the thyroid mass into the needle....
Treating scarlet fever involves killing the bacteria that’s causing it and doing what you can to ease symptoms as the infection resolves. Antibiotics, such as penicillin and amoxicillin, are essential. But warm salt gargles, oatmeal baths, and other home remedies can be beneficial additions to your treatment plan, too, working to soothe a sore throat and itchy skin. Over-the-counter options like throat sprays and pain relievers may also help you deal with discomfort....
Coughing is a natural reflex that is important for keeping your lungs and airways clear and functioning properly. While coughing is often not serious, a persistent cough that does not seem to go away is bothersome and may be related to an illness. This article discusses the causes and treatments for the three types of coughs: acute, subacute, and chronic. Acute Cough Acute coughs last only up to about three weeks and are usually caused by a virus....
It’s a common choice for newborns to be bathed shortly after birth once their breathing and temperature have stabilized. In addition to removing blood and amniotic fluid, a bath shortly after birth also wipes away the vernix caseosa—a white, cheese-like substance that acts as a protective layer on your baby’s skin. Leaving the vernix on your baby’s skin may offer some health benefits, so it may be worth considering delaying your infant’s first bath....
While the Supreme Court decided to eliminate protections for abortion care last week, some states made the decision years ago. Key Takeaways While states could not ban abortion while Roe v. Wade was in place, several passed laws that would criminalize the procedure when and if the 1973 court case was ever struck down.The overturning of Roe v. Wade has “triggered” laws in 13 states that severely restrict or ban abortion....
Blurry vision after eating occurs when a rapid increase in blood sugar levels causes the lens of the eye to swell. This changes the shape of the lens, thereby affecting your eyesight. Blurry vision, in general, is often one of the earliest symptoms of diabetes. People without a diabetes diagnosis who experience blurry vision after eating should see a healthcare provider—especially if they have diabetes risk factors. Left unchecked, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including blindness....
Bronchiolitis is inflammation of the tiniest airways of the lungs—the bronchioles. It typically affects infants and children under 2 and is almost always caused by a respiratory virus. Bronchiolitis can usually be diagnosed based on the symptoms, which include cough, wheezing, and mild fever. There are no specific treatments for bronchiolitis, although hospitalization with oxygen therapy may be needed for severe cases. Bronchiolitis Symptoms The symptoms of bronchiolitis result from obstruction of the bronchioles brought on by a lower respiratory infection....
What Is Zocor? Zocor (simvastatin) is a prescription drug used with diet and exercise to lower cholesterol. Zocor contains the active ingredient simvastatin. This medication is in a drug class called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. This class is also known as statins. Zocor is available as an oral tablet in both name-brand and generic forms. Simvastatin also comes in an oral suspension under the brand name FloLipid. Patients who cannot swallow pills can use FloLipid....
You have probably had motion sickness at some point in your life. Also known as vertigo, seasickness, or carsickness, motion sickness is common in childhood. Traveling by car, boat, or airplane are obvious causes of motion sickness. There are some factors, though, that may put you at greater risk of feeling ill. This article will discuss some of the factors that can contribute to motion sickness. It will also offer suggestions for improving your symptoms....
The most common respiratory diseases are asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and emphysema. Some respiratory diseases are acute, like an infection that will get better with treatment, while others are or become chronic and need to be managed. Many types of lung diseases can cause chronic respiratory conditions. Chronic respiratory disease affects millions of people in the United States alone. It can be difficult to say how many people have lung diseases overall because these diseases are grouped into specific conditions....
Although you might be embarrassed by having a yeast infection, they are very common infections of the skin and mucous membranes, including the mouth and vagina. A person with a vagina has a 75% chance of getting a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. This generates 1.4 million outpatient visits for treatment each year in the United States. Despite the prevalence of yeast infections, many people may not know what a yeast infection is, how it spreads, or how to avoid the condition....
Atrophic gastritis is a condition that affects nearly 8% of the population. It is a form of chronic gastritis that changes the cells in the stomach lining, where stomach acid is made. It can cause several symptoms, such as stomach pain and tiredness, but it may also present without any symptoms. Atrophic gastritis usually is caused by a bacterial infection or an autoimmune response. Treatment is focused on managing the underlying condition....
