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Menopause is a transitional time for women that often begins between ages 45 and 55. It is the time beginning 12 months after a woman’s last period and can last seven to 14 years. During this transition, women may experience a variety of symptoms associated with shifts in hormones. One of the more common symptoms of menopause is constipation. Constipation is a condition in which you may have fewer than three bowel movements per week, stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy, stools that are difficult or painful to pass, or a feeling that not all stool has passed....

Mitochondria are fascinating little organelles that dwell in almost every cell in our body. Unlike other parts of the cell, mitochondria are almost a cell of their own. In fact, they are almost entirely separate organisms, with genetic material that is entirely different from the rest of the body. For example, we generally accept that we inherit half of our genetic material from our mother and a half from our father....

What Is Nesina? Nesina (alogliptin) is an orally administered prescription drug used to improve glycemic control (blood sugar levels) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus that is taken alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. Nesina comes as an oral tablet and contains alogliptin, its active ingredient. Specifically, Nesina is classified as a diabetes medication that works to reduce blood sugar levels. It belongs to a class of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, also known as “gliptins....

Treatment for pneumonia depends on the type that you have, as well as how severe it is. Most times, pneumonia can be managed with home remedies, but other treatments may be necessary, including over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and breathing treatments. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary. Home Remedies and Lifestyle Most cases of pneumonia can be treated at home with the following measures: If you’re being treated for pneumonia, but feel like your symptoms aren’t improving, or they start to get better, but then get worse, see your healthcare provider again....

All adults should ensure that they are up-to-date with all of their recommended vaccines. If you’re a healthcare worker, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends six vaccinations for you. People who work in healthcare settings are frequently exposed to germs while seeing or caring for patients, but direct contact isn’t always necessary to contract an infection. Vaccination of healthcare personnel—from doctors and nurses to admissions clerks and ambulance drivers—protects from potentially dangerous diseases like flu and COVID-19, and protects patients and the community at large as well....

A skeletal survey is a series of X-rays which includes the entire skeleton. Skeletal surveys may be ordered for a variety of reasons in children and in adults. In general, they are used to identify focal or widespread abnormalities of the skeleton. Purpose of Test A skeletal survey may be performed to investigate known or suspected physical abuse in children, to look for congenital abnormalities of the skeleton, or to look for bone disease in patients with known or suspected cancer....

The goal of stroke rehabilitation is to help a person regain physical functioning, relearn lost skills, and improve overall quality of life. Outcomes will vary from person to person based on stroke severity and other factors that affect the recovery process. This article will discuss what to expect during stroke rehabilitation, including types of treatment, rehabilitative activities, healthcare providers involved, where it takes place, and general timeline of treatment. Physical Stroke Rehabilitation There are many activities a person recovering from a stroke will accomplish in rehab....

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rare type of inflammatory arthritis. It is characterized by inflammation, pain, and stiffness of the spine. Like other types of inflammatory arthritis, AS is known for periods of flare-ups (when symptoms worsen). AS is a lifelong condition that generally starts in the lower back. As the disease progresses, it can affect the neck and damage other joints throughout the body. In severe cases of AS, the spine might become hunched....

Toxoplasmosis (also known as “toxo”) in an infectious disease caused by a single-celled parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. In the vast majority of cases, a toxo infection will be mild and resolve on its own without treatment. If treatment is needed, it would typically involve one or more antibiotic or antimalarial drugs able to clear the infection. This is especially true in cases of advanced HIV infection. However, in patients with acute toxoplasmosis who are either pregnant or immunocompromised, antimicrobial treatment is sometimes offered to avoid serious complications of infection....

Bruises, also referred to as contusions, occur when there is an injury to tissues underneath the skin. This can damage blood vessels and causes blood to pool below the surface of the skin, leaving behind black, blue, purple, brown, green, or yellow marks. However, bruises aren’t typically something to worry about, and they tend to heal on their own in a few days or weeks. Random bruising may happen without a clear cause or injury....

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are surgical procedures that involve injecting cement into a fractured vertebra in order to stabilize the broken bone and relieve pain. Such fractures most commonly occur as a result of bone weakening from osteoporosis and can result in severe, persistent pain and disability. While both are methods of vertebral augmentation with only a slight difference in how they are done, the procedures share common goals: To improve symptoms and quality of life....

Paradoxical diarrhea (overflow diarrhea) is when watery stools gush around a solid stool and leak out of the anus. It occurs when you are constipated and water accumulates behind the blockage. The mounting pressure causes the fluids to leak or squirt out. This looks a lot like regular diarrhea and can happen suddenly and explosively, with the overflow soiling underwear. It can also sometimes cause abdominal pain, cramping, and rectal pain or bleeding....

Combination asthma inhalers are used for the long-term control of asthma symptoms. They combine two different inhaled medications—a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). Corticosteroids control inflammation while LABAs are bronchodilators that widen and open constricted airways to allow for the free flow of air. When used in tandem, these medications can ease hyperresponsiveness of airways and help to stave off an asthma attack. Types There are five combination inhalers approved by the U....

Recently, people have been becoming more aware of the potential risks of repetitive head injuries. One class of injury, called subconcussion, is starting to get more attention. But what is subconcussion, and what do we need to be doing about it? Definition Subconcussion is a somewhat controversial term in medicine. Its exact meaning is still evolving. You might read or hear about subconcussion or any of the following closely related terms:...

Allopurinol treats gout, hyperuricemia (the buildup of uric acid in the body), and kidney stones. It is part of a class of drugs called xanthine oxidase inhibitors and is available in the United States under the brand names Zyloprim and Lopurin. Allopurinol works by reducing the production of uric acid in the body. It is also prescribed to prevent gout attacks. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes severe swelling and pain in one joint at a time, usually the big toe....

A Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, screens for cervical cancer and any abnormal cell changes on the cervix that might lead to cervical cancer. One of the most common abnormal findings is something called atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, or ASCUS. ASCUS doesn’t mean that you have or will ever get cancer, but it signifies that there have been changes in cells that require further investigation and monitoring....

Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) is a personality disorder that is characterized by extensive avoidance of social interaction. People with this condition may have difficulty engaging in social situations and forming relationships due to feelings of inadequacy and a sensitivity to rejection. It affects approximately 2.5% of the population. This article will discuss the characteristics of AVPD, as well as how the condition is diagnosed and treated. What Are Symptoms of Avoidant Personality Disorder?...

Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A) is an injectable muscle paralytic drug used for migraine prevention. It had been approved as a medical treatment for severe muscle rigidity and for cosmetic use to smooth out wrinkles before it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 for the prevention of chronic migraines. When used for migraine prevention, Botox injections are scheduled about every three months because the effects are not permanent....

Children’s cold medicines won’t help your child get over a cold faster, but they can help ease their symptoms. There are a variety of cold medicines for kids, including cough suppressants, antihistamines, fever reducers, decongestants, and multi-symptom cold formulations that include more than one of these. While a cold medicine may be labeled “for kids,” that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s safe for every kid. In addition, just because a child has a cold doesn’t mean they need cold medicine....

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is an immune system disorder that causes low antibodies, which reduces the body’s ability to fight off infections. As a result, people with CVID are highly susceptible to frequent and sometimes severe infections, as well as complications from these infections. This article provides an overview of CVID, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Symptoms The hallmark symptom of CVID is recurrent and potentially severe viral or bacterial infections....