Oral herpes is an infection of the mouth, lips, and gums caused by herpes simplex virus, specifically, type 1 (HSV-1). Oral herpes presents as fever blisters and cold sores. Some people with oral herpes have no symptoms at all. Oral herpes is incredibly prevalent, with most people in the United States having HSV-1 by the age of 20. This article explains what causes oral herpes, its symptoms, when you should seek medical treatment, and more....
With passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, many preventive screening services were made free to people on Medicare. Bone scans for osteoporosis, however, are more often covered for women than men. Members of the transgender community may be unclear if they qualify for free screening if they no longer identify with their sex assignment at birth. This article will discuss when osteoporosis screening is appropriate for trans men and trans women, and how it may be covered under Medicare....
A pancreatitis diet is meant to help you manage symptoms of pancreatitis, a condition that makes it harder for your body to break down fats. That’s because of inflammation of the pancreas, which produces both insulin and enzymes that help your body digest food and absorb nutrients. It works by limiting fatty foods, like fried foods and butter. Instead, people choose nutrient-rich meals, including beans, chicken, and high-protein foods. Changing how you eat, either temporarily or for the long term, can help you prevent attacks while still enjoying nutritious foods....
Pertussis, known commonly as “whooping cough,” is a very contagious respiratory illness that typically affects children more severely than adults. Although it often begins like a mild cold, it can progress to cause uncontrollable, severe, prolonged coughing spells that make it hard to breathe. After this happens, someone with pertussis may gasp loudly, resulting in the characteristic “whoop” sound. Pertussis is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and is spread through the air by coughing or sneezing....
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Nearly everyone who is sexually active will be infected with HPV at some point, but most people will not develop genital warts. It is important for you to know the symptoms of genital warts. The pictures of genital warts in this article can help you recognize them. Knowing how they spread and what prevention strategies exist is important for reducing your risk and the risk of spreading them to others....
Researchers have found that having a COVID-19 infection puts people at an increased risk of developing a pulmonary embolism (PE). This serious and potentially life-threatening condition occurs when blood clots travel from another part of the bloodstream (usually the leg) to the lungs. There, they can cause permanent damage to the lungs, as well as reduce oxygen in the blood and other organs. While research on the connection between COVID-19 and pulmonary embolisms is ongoing, this article discusses what is known about the link between the two conditions, risks, treatments, and considerations....
The scapula (or shoulder blade) is a triangle-shaped bone that is located in the upper portion of the back and serves as an attachment point for 17 neck, shoulder, and trunk muscles. This important structure functions along with the ball and socket (glenohumeral) shoulder joint to allow your arm to move in multiple different directions. Occasionally, restricted or dysfunctional scapular movement can limit your available shoulder range of motion or make movement painful....
Stage 4 pancreatic cancer is the most advanced stage of the disease where the cancer has metastasized to distant sites in the body. The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen that helps the body digest and use the energy that comes from food. Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in the pancreas grow out of control. There were an estimated 57,600 new cases of pancreatic cancer in 2020, and 52% of the cases were found in stage 4....
Ovarian cancer is a serious gynecologic cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States. To minimize the risk of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) transmission while still providing much-needed cancer care, oncology clinics and hospitals have increased access to telehealth services for their patients. This is especially important to people with cancer because they are at higher risk for COVID-19 as a result of immunosuppression caused by their treatment and the disease itself....
Omega-3s have been shown to improve heart, vascular, and brain health in a number of ways. Given this, many seek to get more of them by eating more foods that are rich in these fatty acids and by using omega-3 supplements, be them over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription versions. There are differences in fish oil and other omega-3 supplements that should be considered, which, in part, is why Rx versions are not appropriate for everyone....
Food and drink don’t cause peptic ulcers, nor can they cure them. However, following an ulcer diet can help reduce the pain and irritation associated with these sores on the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine. Some choices, like berries and grapes, help repair damaged tissue. Others, like alcohol, irritate ulcers and threaten the digestive tract’s natural layer of protection. This article looks at the ulcer diet, including the best foods to choose, the ones to avoid, and some tips on how to make the ulcer diet work best for you....
Stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is usually considered unresectable (inoperable) if the cancer is too widespread or if the tumors are located in areas that can’t be reached via surgery. You may be shaken by the thought of inoperable cancer, but keep in mind that unresectable does not mean untreatable. Newer medications and therapies have made it easier to manage NSCLC, and treatments are increasing survival rates. Types of Unresectable Stage 3 NSCLC Stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer, considered locally advanced lung cancer, is broken down into two different designations based on the size of the tumor, lymph node involvement, and how far it has metastasized (spread):...
Labor contractions may feel like discomfort or a dull ache in the lower back, along with a tightening sensation across the abdomen and pelvic pressure. Some compare contractions to intense period cramps or the pressure of a bowel movement. There may also be groin, thigh, and side pain. While labor contractions can be mild at first, they grow longer, stronger, and closer together over time. In comparison, Braxton-Hicks contractions—also called practice contractions or false labor—often feel like a squeezing of the abdomen that stays consistent....
In the wake of a recent surge in European COVID-19 cases, experts in the United States are warning that the pressure to reopen could fuel a third wave of infections and illnesses across the country. Key Takeaways Since reopening, many countries in Europe have seen a spike in COVID-19 cases. The current situation there should serve as a cautionary tale for the U.S. as some states begin to lift COVID-19 restrictions....
Hemorrhoids occur when the veins in and around the anus and rectum swell and become irritated due to pressure. They can be internal (inside the anus) or external (under the skin around the anus). Dietary changes, like a high-fiber diet, are commonly recommended for the treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids. Read on to learn the benefits of adding more fiber to your diet and how to do it. Symptoms of Hemorrhoids Some common symptoms of hemorrhoids are:...
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in the blood that helps break down proteins. ALP plays a role in numerous processes in the human body, and any abnormalities in blood concentrations—either high or low—may be indicative of diseases ranging from gallstones and thyroid disease to hepatitis and cancer. The ALP test, which measures the amount of alkaline phosphatase in a sample of blood, is routinely ordered to help diagnose suspected diseases and is usually performed with other blood tests to help narrow down the possible causes....
An anal fissure and a hemorrhoid are different conditions. An anal fissure is when there is a tear or a crack in the anus. A hemorrhoid is when a vein in the anus becomes swollen. Both conditions can cause pain and bleeding. However, because they’re treated differently, it’s important to be able to tell them apart. Learn more about the differences between an anal fissure and a hemorrhoid, including how they are diagnosed and treated....
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an energy-carrying molecule known as “the energy currency of life” or “the fuel of life,” because it’s the universal energy source for all living cells. Every living organism consists of cells that rely on ATP for their energy needs. ATP is made by converting the food we eat into energy. It’s an essential building block for all life forms. Without ATP, cells wouldn’t have the fuel or power to perform functions necessary to stay alive, and they would eventually die....
Meningitis refers to inflammation of the meninges, the thin membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. When the meninges become swollen, they can press on the brain and spinal cord, causing serious complications. Bacterial meningitis, also known as pyogenic meningitis, is a type of meningitis caused by a bacterial infection. Early symptoms of bacterial meningitis may resemble those of a cold, such as a headache and fever, but they may change quickly....
Benign lung tumors (pulmonary tumors) are relatively common, and are likely to be found much more frequently with the widespread use of CT lung cancer screening. You may find yourself feeling reassured if you are told a tumor is benign, but what could it be? The most common benign lung tumors include hamartomas and adenomas, but there are many other types of tumors as well. Benign tumors are usually asymptomatic, but when they cause symptoms they may include a cough, respiratory infections due to airway obstruction, or coughing up blood....
