Your genes determine whether you have blue eyes. If you inherit blue-eye genes from your parents, it means that your eyes will have less of a pigment called melanin in them. Approximately 27% of people in the United States and between 8% and 10% of the world’s population have blue eyes. This article discusses where blue eyes come from and how having blue eyes may increase your risk for certain health conditions....
Mucus comes in a variety of colors (green, white, reddish-pink, or brown), textures, and even names (such as sputum and phlegm). Clear or watery phlegm is usually not worrisome. It is associated with benign conditions like seasonal allergies, post-nasal drip, or a cold. Less commonly, you may find yourself coughing up brown mucus, which may be associated with a number of conditions, including smoking, chronic lung disease, or infections. The presence of tar, dirt, or old blood or the inflammation of the lower portions of the throat and upper airways are the most common reasons for brown phlegm....
A sugar headache can occur when blood sugar is too high, like after eating too much candy. Hormones are affected in a way that narrows blood vessels in the brain, causing pain. Similarly, too-low blood sugar—which can occur when skipping meals—can trigger hormones to dilate these vessels, causing sugar withdrawal headaches. These headaches commonly affect individuals with diabetes, but can also occur in people without the condition. Regulating your blood sugar can help prevent these and other symptoms....
Unless you know the signs, you may not even notice at first that you have a cataract. These can often develop so slowly that you don’t realize that you need more light to read, you’re suddenly concerned about driving at night, or you notice your vision has become foggy. The fact is, many different signs can indicate that the lens of your eye is no longer clear and you may have developed a cataract....
Swelling in the ankles and feet is a common problem. Many things can cause it, including: TraumaArthritisVein problemsBlood clotsInfectionPregnancyHeart diseaseMedications This swelling is often caused by a buildup of fluid, which is called edema. Edema is common in the feet, ankles, and legs. This article can help you figure out what’s causing your foot and ankle swelling. Trauma The most common foot and ankle injuries that cause swelling include: Get Medical Attention for Sudden Swelling...
Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix, the donut-shaped opening that connects the vagina to the uterus. It doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does, they may include bleeding, pain during sex, and vaginal discharge. Cervicitis most often results from a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, although there are a handful of non-infectious causes as well. The condition can be diagnosed with a pelvic exam and lab tests to identify the underlying cause....
A colonic is the infusion of water or other liquids into the rectum by a colon therapist to cleanse and flush out the colon. It is also called colonic hydrotherapy or colon irrigation, and proponents of the practice maintain that it leads to better digestive and overall health. Many experts, however, caution that claims of health benefits with colonic irrigation are unproven, and may increase the risk of dehydration and other complications....
People with osteoporosis (a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle) are more likely to have depression (a serious mood disorder causing persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities) than people who do not have osteoporosis. One study found that nearly 87% of people with osteoporosis have mild to moderate depression. However, the reason behind the relationship is unclear. In this article, learn more about the connection between depression and osteoporosis and why they are so closely related....
Desmoid tumors, otherwise known as aggressive fibromatosis or desmoid-type fibromatosis, are a rare type of a benign connective tumor. There are no known direct causes of a desmoid tumor. However, research shows there is a genetic component. The majority of desmoid tumors result from a sporadic gene mutation, meaning it is not inherited. Only a small percentage of desmoid tumors have a family connection. People with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), or Gardner syndrome, have an increased risk....
Influenza (the flu) vaccines are safe and effective for people with diabetes, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. People with diabetes have a higher risk of complications from the flu than the general public. Getting the flu shot can help reduce your risk of being infected with the influenza virus and complications like pneumonia, sinus infections, reduced control of blood sugar levels, and hospitalization. The flu vaccine can help prevent these outcomes....
Early skin cancer can be challenging to recognize. Symptoms can be very subtle, such as a dry patch developing on your lip or ear. Skin cancer is not uncommon, as one in five Americans will develop skin cancer before age 70. Learning to spot the warning signs is vital because, when identified early, skin cancer is highly curable. Do you know what to look for or when to seek medical advice?...
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a skin condition that affects adults but is also common in children. Around 10% of kids in the United States have it, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In infants, the itchy, red, scaly rash appears most often on the cheeks, chin, and forehead. In older children, the rash is more likely to develop on the insides of the elbows and behind the knees....
Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is the more familiar term for what the medical community prefers to call exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. It occurs when the airways (bronchi) constrict in response to physical activity, resulting in typical asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath. Exercise-induced asthma may or may not involve underlying chronic asthma. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, as many as 90% of people with asthma also have EIA, but not everyone with EIA has asthma....
Some research suggests that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more prone to migraines and other headache disorders, like tension headaches or cluster headaches, than the general population. One study found that 78% of participants with newly diagnosed MS reported having headaches in the past month. Headache Types There are three types of primary headache disorders that have been evaluated as being potentially linked to multiple sclerosis: migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches....
A hip labral tear can cause hip joint discomfort and pain, and it can be repaired surgically or managed with non-surgical treatment, Surgical repair of a hip labral tear is usually done through a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure. The decision about which approach is right for you depends on several factors, including how well it’s already healing, the type of tear, and whether you have arthritis. This article describes the factors to consider when thinking about surgical treatment for a hip labral tear....
Any teenager who is sexually active should be aware of the risks of HIV and should use preventative strategies to avoid getting this life-altering infection. If you are old enough to have sex, you’re old enough to know the facts and to protect yourself (and your partners). The Impact of HIV in Young People According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 26% of the 50,000 Americans infected each year with HIV are under the age of 25....
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops or is diagnosed during pregnancy. It affects people who did not have diabetes before pregnancy. Each year about 2% to 10% of pregnant people in the United States are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, typically between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. Fortunately, gestational diabetes is treatable to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. This article provides an overview of treatments and dietary recommendations for gestational diabetes....
Treatment for type 1 diabetes is an ongoing process. Careful management of your condition involves lifestyle changes related to diet and exercise, glucose monitoring, and insulin therapy. The short-term goal immediately following a diagnosis is to bring high blood glucose levels into an acceptable range. Because the onset of symptoms is often sudden and severe, some people may require hospitalization to stabilize blood glucose levels. Lifestyle Once glucose levels have stabilized, the long-term goal is to keep them that way day in and day out....
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that causes deterioration of the retina of the eye. It is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States and in many other countries. In fact, it impacts over 10 million Americans. That number represents more than those with glaucoma and cataracts combined. Tests to diagnose wet AMD include an eye examination and a self-test that can be done at home. There are also several imaging tests that an ophthalmologist can use to detect the abnormal blood vessel development (neovascularization) and bleeding that occurs in the eyes of those with wet AMD....
Abdominal pain is one of the best known symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But IBS pain can be hard to predict. What it feels like and where it’s located can vary from person to person. This article explores the causes and characteristics of IBS pain and cramps. It also explains when you should see a healthcare provider for care. Causes of IBS Pain It’s important to know what’s behind IBS pain, including how it becomes chronic, or long-lasting....
