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What Is Enbrel? Enbrel (etanercept) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor blocker used to treat several autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and others. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks itself and causes symptoms such as pain and swelling. As a TNF inhibitor, Enbrel affects the immune system by binding to TNF alpha and TNF beta, rendering TNF inactive. TNF is a substance in the body that causes inflammation....

As the name suggests, “cardio,” meaning heart, and “renal,” meaning kidneys, is a specific clinical entity where a decline in the heart’s function leads to a decline in kidney function, or vice versa. Hence, the name cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) actually reflects a harmful interaction between these two vital organs. To further elaborate, the interaction is two-way. Hence, it’s not just the heart whose decline could drag the kidneys down with it....

Black spots in vision, also known as floaters, are the specks, squiggly lines, or cobwebs you may notice in your line of sight. Floaters are clumps of the gel-like vitreous humor that fills your eye. These are very common, and while potentially annoying, they are usually not a cause for concern. This article will discuss seeing black spots in vision, what seeing flashes might mean, possible causes, when to see a doctor, and treatment options....

The removal of part or all of the stomach is called a gastrectomy. A gastrectomy is done for various reasons, including to treat stomach cancer, peptic ulcers, or for obesity. People can go on to live a normal life after having a partial or total gastrectomy, although it is important to pay close attention to nutrition and ensure that all the necessary vitamins and minerals are gotten through diet or supplements....

Healthcare providers sometimes ask you to make an appointment to get the results of routine medical tests. That might feel like a waste of your time and money. However, sometimes a face-to-face visit is warranted. This article will look at when it’s needed, when it’s not, and how to set expectations with your healthcare provider. When You Need an Appointment Healthcare providers order lab tests for four main reasons: To diagnose a conditionTo see if a treatment is effectiveTo track the progression of a chronic illnessTo check for a recurrence of a treated condition The test results may be simple and straightforward—say, positive or negative....

A glucose screening test is a standard test during pregnancy to help identify gestational diabetes. The test is done in two steps and checks a pregnant person’s response to glucose (sugar). High glucose levels in the blood may indicate that you are at risk for or have gestational diabetes. Most pregnant people will have a glucose screening test between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may ask you to have the test done earlier if you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes in the past, are at risk for diabetes, or have high levels of glucose in your urine during routine prenatal checkups....

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an infection that causes inflammation of the liver. It spreads through contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids. The most common ways that you could acquire HCV infection are through injected drug use, unprotected sex, a medical procedure using contaminated equipment, or through an injury or wound that exposes you to blood infected with HCV. Common Causes HCV enters the body and reproduces in the host’s (infected person’s) body, specifically targeting the liver....

As with other kinds of brain tumors, a diagnosis of anaplastic astrocytoma is based on a variety of different methods, including detailed patient history, a variety of imaging techniques, and, in some cases, a brain biopsy. This article discusses these different procedures and outlines other conditions that may be confused with this rare brain tumor. Self-Checks As anaplastic astrocytoma is located in the brain, there are generally few changes you will be able to see on your own....

There is no single definitive test that can confirm a diagnosis of cancer. Many different types of diagnostic procedures are used to establish the diagnosis because there are many different kinds of cancer. The type of cancer and the affected part(s) of the body will guide your healthcare provider’s decisions about which tests to order for you. If your healthcare provider is concerned that you could have cancer, they will take your medical history, perform a physical exam, and possibly order blood tests, imaging tests, and/or a biopsy....

Mononucleosis (mono) is a viral illness most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), though it can be caused by other viruses. Treatment involves managing symptoms while your body fights the infection. Symptoms can include extreme fatigue, sore throat, and swollen tonsils. Getting plenty of rest, drinking ample fluids, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) fever and pain relievers can help you recover. Prescription medication usually isn’t needed, but corticosteroids can help reduce overly swollen tonsils in extreme cases....

Approximately 10% of all pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes, in which a person develops diabetes during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can pose a significant risk to both parent and baby if not managed and treated properly. The goal of gestational diabetes treatment is to regulate blood sugar levels. This can be achieved through dietary changes and exercise, but medications such as insulin are sometimes necessary. This article will explore the various ways to manage gestational diabetes and the potential risks and complications that can arise if left untreated....

An insufficiency fracture is a type of stress fracture that can occur due to minor pressure in a bone that is weakened. This type of injury can happen anywhere in the body, and it most often affects the spine and pelvic bones. The leading cause of insufficiency fractures is osteoporosis—a condition that commonly develops after age 50 that’s characterized by bone loss and fragility. In fact, some studies show that as many as 32 percent to 72 percent of people with insufficiency fractures have osteoporosis....

Those long summer evenings are not good for your health, according to a new statement published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Key Takeaways Daylight saving time goes against your body’s circadian rhythm that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle, according to a growing body of research.Moving the clock an hour forward can pose serious health risks, such as stroke and heart attack, especially in the week following the time change....

When you are diagnosed with lung cancer, you may want to explore options for covering expenses that might arise as you need assistance in your daily life. This might be a home health aide, assisted living, or nursing home care. These are all forms of long-term care (LTC). More than two-thirds of people over 65 will need long-term care as they get older. As many as 20% of them will require that care for more than five years....

Magnesium is a nutrient your body uses for many tasks, like repairing cells and keeping your nerves and muscles working. Magnesium also helps keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels stable. One of magnesium’s most important jobs is making sure your bones are strong: 60% of the magnesium in your body is in your bones and teeth. Some studies have shown that not having enough magnesium can lead to inflammation, which can increase your risk of chronic diseases....

Myoclonic seizures are a type of seizure that involves brief jerking or twitching muscle motions. The sudden unintended muscle motions, also known as myoclonic jerks, typically last one or two seconds. These seizures are common in people with myoclonic epilepsy. This type of seizure is usually caused by genetic factors. The seizures usually begin in childhood, with the most common form known as juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). This article explains myoclonic seizures and myoclonic epilepsy....

Nearly half of unvaccinated Americans are willing to get the COVID-19 shot, but barriers still stand in their way, new research finds. Key Takeaways A study shows that while the percentage of unvaccinated but willing individuals has decreased, they still make up about 44% of unvaccinated Americans.Meeting unvaccinated people where they are has been effective in encouraging more people to get the shot.Trusted local messengers can help significantly in persuading unvaccinated individuals....

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that is found in all tobacco products. People who use tobacco products are at high risk for developing nicotine dependence (formerly known as nicotine addiction), which is a lack of control over the need for nicotine. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, over 23 million people aged 12 and over reported dependence on nicotine. Tobacco products contain thousands of harmful chemicals that can affect every organ in the body and lead to serious illness and death....

What Is Ocrevus? Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) is a prescription medication used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). It is administered via intravenous (IV) infusion at an infusion center, healthcare provider’s office, or home. Ocrevus belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. Ocrevus works by targeting and destroying certain B cells, which are cells that play a role in the immune system. In MS, these B cells attack the body’s nerves and cause inflammation....

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the whites of the eyes and the inner eyelids. Pink eye is very contagious. It’s estimated that about 6 million people in the United States experience pink eye every year. Children in group settings such as school or day care are especially at risk. This article describes how to recognize pink eye in children and treatment options....