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Nuclear sclerosis is a condition in which the nucleus, or central part of the lens of the eye, hardens or gets cloudy. People with nuclear sclerosis often describe having a “filmy” sensation in their vision as if looking through a dirty window. Nuclear sclerosis is common in older adults as part the aging process of the eye. However, it can lead to severe complications like nuclear sclerotic cataracts in which the clouding of the lens causes significant blurring and vision loss....

Physical therapy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) involves improving hip range of motion (ROM) and strength, decreasing pain, and improving overall functional mobility. If you have FAI, your physical therapist can guide you in the correct rehab program to help you return to your normal activities. There are many causes of hip pain. If your hip or hips hurt, you may benefit from physical therapy to determine the cause of your pain and get started on the correct treatment....

When biologic drugs used to treat psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes scaly, itchy patches on the skin, were first approved in the early 2000s it marked an important advancement for psoriasis patients. Now, new research is highlighting the risks associated with using some of these drugs. Key Takeaways Biologic drugs suppress the immune system and are game-changing treatments for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, these medications can lead to an increased risk of developing serious infections—a risk that is highest in the first year that a person uses a biologic....

In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys are unable to filter excess water and waste out of your blood as they should. Early detection of kidney disease combined with dietary and lifestyle changes can help you prevent or delay the progression to kidney failure. This article provides a basic guide of dietary habits and foods that support kidney health to help people with kidney disease. Diet and Kidney Disease In addition to filtering water and waste, your kidneys also work to keep the right balance of minerals and nutrients in your blood....

Sleep aids are medications, herbs, and supplements that can help alleviate insomnia and improve your sleep. Medications may be over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription. Getting good sleep is important. Bouts of insomnia can have a major impact on your health and quality of life. This article looks at various sleep aids, helpful lifestyle changes, and how to talk to your healthcare provider about prescription sleep medications. Over-The-Counter Sleep Aids OTC sleeping pills cause sleepiness as a side effect....

Researchers are finding that those who eat a lot of rice may be at risk for consuming unsafe levels of arsenic, a toxic metal that tends to accumulate in rice grains. This may lead to a host of health problems, including poisoning and certain cancers. Arsenic is a particular concern for those with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. These people must avoid grains such as wheat, barley, and rye, because they contain a protein called gluten....

Back labor is a common occurrence. As many as one in four pregnant people reportedly experience intense back pain during the birthing process. Back labor is a term that describes the discomfort that a person in labor experiences in the region of the lower back. The pain of back labor typically is felt in the lower back, but it may also occur in the hips, and it sometimes radiates (spreads) to the thigh area....

Sweet’s syndrome is a rare condition that involves a painful rash, typically along with a fever. The rash erupts mostly on the skin of the arms, neck, face, and trunk. The cause of Sweet’s syndrome isn’t fully known, but there are several typical scenarios in which it is known to occur. In some people, it seems to be triggered by an infection, and it can be associated with inflammatory bowel disease or pregnancy....

The most common type of bladder cancer is called transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Also known as urothelial carcinoma (UCC), TCC arises from the inner lining of the urinary tract, called the transitional urothelium. This article looks at transitional cell carcinoma, its signs and symptoms, and its causes and risk factors. It also discusses diagnosis, staging, treatment, and prevention. Signs and Symptoms Symptoms of TCC will vary by the location of the tumor....

Seeing your poop float might surprise you. But it’s usually nothing to worry about. More often than not, it’s related to something you had to eat. Other times, floating poop can be a symptom of an underlying condition. If you’re experiencing other symptoms as well, consider talking to your healthcare provider. Here are the main reasons behind this type of stool (poop), ways to prevent it, and when you should see a healthcare provider....

Qualifying for Medicaid is not as straightforward as you may think, at least not anymore. While your income plays an obvious role—Medicaid is, after all, a program for the poor and medically needy—your eligibility could also depend on your participation in other government-run programs. How you qualify for Medicaid affects how the government looks at your finances. Understanding the difference may be essential to protecting your assets in the long run....

Pain and other symptoms of a bee sting can worsen if you don’t work to get the stinger out quickly after you have been stung. The longer the stinger stays in your skin, the more venom it releases, adding to your pain and swelling. This can also increase the chances of an allergic reaction. This article will go over how to remove a bee stinger and how to treat the sting....

A semen allergy, also known as seminal plasma hypersensitivity (SPH), is a rare condition that is caused by a mild or severe allergic reaction to the protein of a man’s semen. Research has discovered that semen allergies are more common in women than men, affecting up to 40,000 females in the United States. This is likely because most diagnostic case studies have focused on women. More research is needed to understand how the condition impacts sexual partnerships between males....

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. While it is, in part, hereditary, experts believe other factors need to combine to trigger the disease, especially when it shows up until later in life. Besides genetics, some risk factors may increase your chances of developing celiac disease. This article explores the causes, what causes celiac disease later in life, the known risk factors, and what can make celiac symptoms flare up....

If you’re seeking treatment for your mental health, chances are you’re already feeling overwhelmed. Navigating insurance benefits can be confusing. For many, this complicates or even delays pursuing therapy. Research shows that lack of insurance is a significant barrier to seeking mental health care. The truth is most insurance plans offer mental health coverage, but it may be difficult to tell what is covered and how much you’ll have to pay....

A ductogram (galactogram) is a type of medical imaging used to view your breast ducts. It can be helpful in finding the cause of nipple discharge in patients with an otherwise normal mammogram. In a ductogram, a mammogram is performed after a contrast agent is injected into the breast (through the nipple). This article describes what to expect during a ductogram and explains how it is performed and how the results are interpreted....

Despite encouraging advances in breast cancer treatment that have dramatically prolonged survival even when diagnosed at a metastatic stage, there still is a significant group of less fortunate patients that die from this condition every year. The usual scenario goes like this: People with metastatic breast cancer want to talk about these concerns, but are afraid to upset their loved ones—so they stay quiet. On the other side, loved ones are afraid of upsetting you by talking about the end of life issues—so they say nothing....

Have you considered enrolling in an EPO health plan? If so, then it’s important to understand exactly what these plans are and how they work, to make sure the plan will meet your needs. What if you already have EPO health insurance? Understanding the ins and outs of how your EPO works will help you use your health plan effectively and avoid expensive mistakes. What Is an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization)?...

What Is Esbriet? Esbriet (pirfenidone) is a prescription medication option used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Esbriet is in a medication class called pyridones. It’s also known as an antifibrotic medication. It’s unclear how Esbriet exactly works, but it’s thought to work by lessening lung swelling and preventing fibrosis (thickening or scarring of the lungs). In general, Esbriet may help your lungs work better. The medication may also prevent worsening lung symptoms and improve your life expectancy....

Everyone experiences obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) differently. Sometimes symptoms of OCD can include obsessive philosophical ideas and fears about life, the universe, and human existence. This is referred to as existential OCD. This article discusses the symptoms and treatment for existential OCD. What Is Existential OCD? Existential OCD symptoms are when repetitive and intrusive thoughts about the purpose of human existence cause symptoms of anxiety, depression, and compulsive behavior. These thoughts might include:...