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A sudden drop in blood pressure, also called hypotension, can occur for any number of reasons. Some may be of no real concern, while others may be a sign of a potentially life-threatening condition. This article will cover the various causes of low blood pressure, possible symptoms, and treatment options. Symptoms Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Hypotension is usually defined as a systolic (upper) value of 90 mmHg and a diastolic (lower) value of 60 mmHg....

Osteoporosis is a bone condition that causes the deterioration of bone tissue. Over time, this condition causes bones to become thinner, more brittle, and more likely to fracture. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent and help manage osteoporosis. In addition to nutrition strategies and medication, experts recommend regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises to help build and maintain bone mass. Yoga is one such physical practice that has been shown to improve agility, strength, posture, and balance, which can help reduce the risk of falls and fractures....

During the pandemic, video calls have become a mainstay. But after a year of video meetings and get-togethers, many are experiencing “Zoom fatigue,” or increased levels of tiredness, anxiety, or worry resulting from overuse of the platform. Key Takeaways The phenomenon “Zoom fatigue” refers to the tiredness many express while using Zoom and other videoconferencing technologies since the beginning of the pandemic.A cognitive psychologist offers four specific reasons as to why Zoom may zap energy, and what users can do to feel more energized....

Albuterol is an inhaled medication that can quickly relieve the symptoms of asthma. Classified as a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) and bronchodilator, albuterol relaxes the muscles in your airways that tighten during an asthma attack. This causes the airways in the lung to increase in size, which allows air to move more freely through them. Albuterol and other SABAs are often referred to as rescue inhalers. Several brands of albuterol are available, including Proair, Proventil, and Ventolin....

Bacterial infections are caused by small, single-cell organisms called bacteria that invade the body. These infections are common and there are many ways you can get them. There are many types of bacteria and they can each have different effects on the body. This can impact your symptoms and treatment options. This article goes over what you need to know about bacterial infections. You’ll learn about the symptoms, causes, and types of bacterial infections....

Blood pressure and heart rate (pulse) are two important vital signs measured at your healthcare visits. Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood on the blood vessel walls. Blood vessels can be thought of as a plumbing system, and they can widen or constrict to control blood pressure. Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute. It is determined by the electrical system of the heart....

Breast oil cysts are benign (noncancerous) breast lumps. They often feel similar to the lumps common to breast cancer. They may be diagnosed on ultrasound or other breast imaging. Oil cysts in the breast commonly occur due to injury to the chest or medical procedures. Cysts are the most commonly found type of breast mass, especially for those aged 35 to 50. Cysts are pockets filled with fluid, pus, air, or other substances....

Neuropathy, or nerve damage in the legs and feet, is the main reason a person experiences the sensation of burning feet. While diabetes is one of most common causes of nerve damage, many other conditions can lead to the sensation of burning feet. Read on to find out more about what causes the burning feet sensation and treatment options. Causes of Burning Feet There are various health conditions and procedures that can cause burning feet....

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker found in the blood or in other bodily fluids that can be used to monitor treatment for certain cancers. This article explains what the CEA test is, when it can be helpful in cancer treatment, and how to interpret its results. Purpose of the Test CEA is a type of tumor marker used to monitor cancer. Tumor markers are substances that are either made by cancer or made by the body in response to cancer....

Distal clavicle osteolysis is shoulder joint pain at the end of the collarbone that is the result of bone disintegration and damage. The most common symptom is a sharp or aching pain at the junction of the acromioclavicular joint (AC joint) and collarbone. While the pain is usually felt during activity, there may also be a persistent tenderness around the joint during non-activity. Inflammation and swelling are also common manifestations....

Chronic bronchitis refers to inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes. It is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is an umbrella term for lung diseases that make it hard to breathe and get worse over time. The bronchial tubes carry air to and from the air sacs in your lungs, also called alveoli. The irritation of the tubes causes a slippery liquid called mucus to build up....

The World Health Organization (WHO) is recommending steroids as the new gold standard treatment for some people with severe COVID-19. The recommendation comes after the global organization completed a meta-analysis of seven clinical trials which showed that corticosteroids effectively reduce the risk of death for patients with severe COVID-19. Key Takeaways The World Health Organization is now primarily recommending corticosteroids (especially dexamethasone) as the first course of treatment for patients with severe COVID-19....

When you have fibromyalgia (FMS) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS), it’s common for well-meaning people to say things like, “If you’d just exercise more, you’d feel better.” Research points to benefits of exercise for managing symptoms, especially in FMS, so your healthcare provider may push you to be more active, as well. But when you do exercise, you may end up with a symptom flare that lasts for days....

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid that is a precursor to prostaglandin, a compound that is synthesized at the site of an infection or injury to mediate inflammation, fight cell damage, and regulate pain as part of the healing process. GLA has been touted for a variety of uses, from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to diabetic neuropathy and beyond. In addition to preventing or treating certain diseases and conditions like these, some say that GLA can work as a complement to other drugs to help alleviate symptoms....

Giardiasis is the diarrheal disease caused by the Giardia parasite (Giardia lamblia or Giardia duodenalis). This infection is usually contracted by swallowing water that has been contaminated with Giardia. Giardia is a commonly found all over the world, but those living in developing countries are most at risk for Giardia infection. In the United States, giardiasis is most likely to be diagnosed in someone with diarrhea who has recently traveled to one of these areas....

Integrative medicine is a patient-focused, whole-person medical practice that uses therapies that are both evidence based and experience based. Integrative medicine combines a variety of disciplines, including alternative and conventional Western medical therapies, to provide safe, effective health care. Practitioners of integrative medicine see patients as partners and work closely with you to ensure you’re receiving the treatments you need. Integrative medicine addresses many factors, including the physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental influences that affect a person’s health status....

According to new research, people who nap on a regular basis might be at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and having a stroke. Key Takeaways A recent study found that frequent daytime napping is associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and a higher risk of having a stroke. Experts say that napping is not necessarily harmful, rather it could be a sign that someone is having trouble with sleep at night or that they have a sleep disorder or health condition....

Medical marijuana has been used for a variety of conditions to help with pain, spasticity (abnormal muscle tightness), nausea, and other problems, and some people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) find symptom relief from using it. Read on to find out more about how medical marijuana can be used for MS, as well as potential side effects, risks, and benefits. Talk with your healthcare provider before using medical marijuana. Why Cannabis Might Help With MS Cannabis, or marijuana, has more than 80 chemical compounds called cannabinoids in it....

Moringa is a nutrient-packed superfood that comes from the Moringa oleifera tree in India. Moringa oleifera leaves, seeds, bark, roots, sap, and flowers have long been used in traditional medicine throughout Southeast Asia. Its preparations are now being studied primarily in animal models. Moringa powder is often added to smoothies, nutrition bars, and energy drinks or drank as tea. In oil form, it is used topically for hair and skincare....

Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) is a frequently seen subtype of colorectal cancer and accounts for between 10% and 15% of all colorectal cancers. MAC is more aggressive than classic adenocarcinoma. While some studies have shown that the prognosis of mucinous adenocarcinoma colon cancer is poorer than non-mucinous adenocarcinoma colon cancer, other research has found that overall survival doesn’t differ between the types. Understanding Adenocarcinoma Adenocarcinoma refers specifically to cancers that affect cells that are glandular in nature....