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Many people think that they should be having a bowel movement every day to avoid constipation, but the truth is that the normal frequency varies widely from person to person, ranging from several times a day to three times a week. Constipation is defined as passing hard, dry stool or having fewer than three bowel movements a week. One of the most common digestive complaints in the United States, constipation affects most people at some point in their lives....

What Is Noxafil? Noxafil (posaconazole) is a prescription medication used to prevent systemic (bloodstream) Aspergillus and Candida fungal infections. Noxafil is categorized as a second-generation triazole antifungal. As an azole antifungal, specifically a triazole type of azole antifungal, Noxafil works by blocking a specific fungal protein called cytochrome P-450-mediated 14 alpha-lanosterol demethylase enzyme. This protein is responsible for turning lanosterol—a type of steroid—into ergosterol. Without ergosterol, the weakened fungal cell wall starts to fall apart....

Children get a lot of vaccinations when they are little, but many parents and adults forget that they need immunizations too. Just because you are an adult doesn’t mean you have already “built up your immunity” and are at less risk of infectious diseases. In some cases, adults may be more at risk than children (as evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic). There are four vaccines recommended for all adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—influenza, Tdap or Td, hepatitis B, and COVID-19—and five others that are recommended if you have not been adequately vaccinated or have certain health conditions....

A rheumatoid factor (RF) test is a blood test that’s often used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The test measures the amount of RF in your blood. Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody that is formed in people who have rheumatoid arthritis. It is a protein made by your immune system. High levels of RF in your blood indicate that you may have an autoimmune disease such as RA or Sjögren’s syndrome....

Stage 4 liver cancer is the most advanced form of the disease. In stage 4 liver cancer, a tumor has begun in the liver and spread to either nearby lymph nodes and/or distant lymph nodes and organs. With more than 42,000 cases being diagnosed each year, liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer will be diagnosed in approximately 1% of people in the United States over the course of their lifetime. That said, compared to other forms of cancer, liver cancer is relatively rare....

Weeping eczema is a term used to describe eczema that has blisters. These blisters ooze or “weep” clear or yellow pus. Weeping eczema can occur with certain types of eczema or can indicate an infection. Here is an overview of the condition, including the signs and symptoms, causes, and treatments. Types of Weeping Eczema There are many types of eczema. Some are prone to blisters and weeping. Weeping eczema may also happen if there is an infection in the skin....

To coincide with disabled people from around the world gathering for the Tokyo Paralympic Games this week, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and International Disability Alliance (IDA) have launched the biggest-ever human rights movement for disabled people. Key Takeaways Last week, global organizations headed by the IPC and UNESCO launched the biggest-ever disability rights campaign, called WeThe15. The campaign aims to improve inclusion for disabled people.Using the Tokyo Paralympics as an initial platform, WeThe15 aims to improve the lives of 1....

Feminization is the process through which a transfeminine person makes their face and body more feminine through hormone therapy and/or gender-affirming surgery. This process is part of medical transitioning. A transgender woman (someone who was assigned male and is a woman) may seek out feminization because she wants her appearance to affirm her gender identity. The therapy and procedures she undergoes will focus on removing masculine characteristics (such as Adam’s apple) and inducing or adding feminine characteristics (such as breast augmentation) to her appearance....

Police unions across the country are resisting COVID-19 vaccinations and protesting against vaccine mandates. Key Takeaways Some police unions are resisting vaccine mandates.Experts stress the importance of vaccinations for law enforcement personnel, but worry that mandates won’t be effective in increasing vaccination rates.Vaccine education and efforts to combat misinformation will be essential to addressing concerns about vaccine safety. A Chicago judge on Monday temporarily blocked the city from firing police officers who don’t meet the December 31 vaccine mandate deadline....

What Is Actemra? Actemra (tocilizumab) is an injection given every one to four weeks to treat several types of arthritis (an autoimmune disease). This drug is called an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antagonist. IL-6 is an excess protein in people with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Actemra works by preventing these proteins from binding to their receptors, ultimately decreasing the downstream effects of inflammation and joint pain. The generic name for Actemra is tocilizumab....

Many different orthopedic surgical procedures require the use of additional tissues within the body in order to accomplish the reconstructive goals of surgery. Often when there has been an injury, the tissues that are damaged require the use of the augmentation in order for proper restoration of function. In these situations, your surgeon will need to make a decision about where to get additional tissue to augment their surgical repair. The most common ways to obtain tissue are either to obtain the tissue from elsewhere within your body or to take that tissue from a donor....

Inhalers and nebulizers are devices that deliver medicine directly into the lungs. The difference between the two devices is in the way they deliver the medication. An inhaler relies on pressure, while a nebulizer releases the medicine as a fine mist. When you use an inhaler, you inhale the medication through a mouthpiece. With a nebulizer, you breathe in the medication via a mask that fits over your mouth and nose....

Atelectasis is the complete or partial collapse of a lung. It is sometimes referred to as a “collapsed lung,” although a collapsed lung can also mean a condition called pneumothorax. Atelectasis is usually reversible and not life-threatening. However, if it’s untreated, it can lead to serious complications. When atelectasis occurs, fresh air can’t reach the alveoli, tiny balloon-shaped air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. This results in hypoxia, which is when the organs and tissues of the body don’t get enough oxygen....

Like skin color, gums come in a variety of shades. People with more melanin tend to have darker gums. Therefore, black gums may be perfectly normal for some people. On the other hand, if black gums are not your natural shade, they could be indicating a health condition, a side effect from medication, or damage from smoking. This article explains black gums’ causes, symptoms, and treatment. Symptoms of Black Gums The main symptom of black gums is gum color that appears black or dark brown....

If you are living with diabetes and considering a tattoo, you must be certain that your blood sugars are in good control before getting inked. Chronically elevated blood sugars can increase the risk of a skin infection. This is especially true in type 1 diabetes. In addition, people with diabetes should consult with their healthcare provider before getting a tattoo to make sure there are no contraindications. Learn about all the reasons behind getting a tattoo, what types are available, the risks that could be involved, and how to mitigate the risk of any adverse side effects....

Diastolic dysfunction is the heart’s inability to relax after each beat, which can restrict blood pumping and increase pressure. This can lead to diastolic heart failure, also known as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improved outcomes. Unfortunately, not everyone experiences symptoms of the beginning stages of diastolic dysfunction. And those who do may have “normal” findings on diagnostic tests, further complicating matters....

Ankylosing spondylitis can affect the way your brain works. It can cause problems with thinking, remembering, and concentrating. The effect can worsen over time and prevent you from taking care of yourself. This article describes how the disease impacts your brain, how it can affect the way your brain functions, and how to handle the brain-related symptoms that occur. Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Affect the Brain? Ankylosing spondylitis is a lifelong illness that can worsen over time....

Intermittent fasting has become a popular dietary trend that benefits blood pressure, weight loss, inflammation, cholesterol, and blood sugar. This article focuses on the relationship between fasting and blood pressure, reviews the problems that come with high blood pressure, and looks at how fasting may be one way to help lower it. Concerns About High Blood Pressure High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects nearly half of all Americans and increases the risk of several severe conditions....

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world to adapt to many changes, including changes to the food supply chain. Many farmers and food companies have experienced supply shortages, labor disruptions, and changes in demand. As a result, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed for temporary flexibilities, the latest of which include changes to food labeling requirements. Key Takeaways The FDA is allowing food manufacturers to make small ingredient changes to their products without adjusting the food label if COVID-19 causes supply chain issues....

Hot flashes are brief periods when a person suddenly feels warm and develops sweating and flushing usually of the face, neck, and chest. They typically last about one to five minutes and are most common in menopause. About 75% of menopausal women will experience hot flashes. Hot flashes usually are treated and controlled with lifestyle changes. However, some people with severe symptoms will need hormone therapy to control their hot flashes....