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There is no surefire way to prevent multiple sclerosis (MS). The condition develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating of nerve cells (myelin sheath), causing damage to the nerves. What triggers this attack is poorly understood. However, there are several modifiable risk factors that are associated with the onset of the disease, such as smoking, low vitamin D levels, and even where you live. Read on to learn more about how you might be able to reduce your MS risk....

Though they are technically seeds, cashews are commonly classified as tree nuts. They can be found within the drupe (fleshy fruit) on the tropical tree species known as Anacardium occidentale. Cashew allergies result when a person’s immune system reacts to the proteins found in cashews, causing allergy symptoms. A cashew allergy is a common tree nut allergy. Roughly 20% of all people allergic to tree nuts in the United States are allergic to cashews....

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among people over age 55. They can make your vision appear fuzzy or blurry, as if you are looking through a fogged-up window. Cataracts can develop due to normal aging. Additionally, risk factors such as diabetes and smoking can also predispose you to cataracts. Treatment can range from wearing stronger eyeglasses to surgical removal of the cataract, which may include replacement of the lens in your eye....

Common symptoms associated with thyroid disease can be frustrating and impact your life in many ways. Problems such as fatigue, weight gain or loss, temperature intolerance, hair loss, and more can affect you not only physically but emotionally, interfering with your relationships and reducing your ability to enjoy daily life. A diagnosis of thyroid disease introduces you to a lifelong need for its management. And given the relentlessness of some of its symptoms, it can be easy to accept what you’re experiencing as being “just the way it is....

Copper sulfate is an inorganic compound that combines copper and sulfate. In its liquid or powdered form, it’s most commonly called basic copper sulfate, BSC copper fungicide, CP basic sulfate, or tri-basic copper sulfate. In its solid, crystal-shaped stone form (known as a pentahydrate), copper sulfate is known as blue stone or blue vitriol for its blue color. In this form, it’s a popular raw material for producing other types of copper salts....

Drug addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease that involves complex interactions between a person’s environment, brain circuits, genetics, and life experiences. People with drug addictions continue to compulsively use drugs despite the negative effects. Substance abuse has many potential consequences, including overdose and even death. Learn about the short and long-term effects of drug addiction. Discover treatment options for common symptoms. Short-Term Effects People can become addicted to any psychoactive (“mind-altering”) substance....

Dry eyes in children are rare but potentially serious and may indicate a more problematic condition. It’s important to pay close attention if a child is having recurring dry eyes and to seek treatment to rule out more serious conditions. Over time, if dry eyes are left untreated, vision and eye problems may be more likely to occur. In this article, learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment for dry eyes in children, and how dry eyes may be a sign of a more serious condition....

At 8 to 10 inches long, the duodenum is the first and shortest section of the small intestine. The duodenum is connected to the stomach, allowing food particles to leave the stomach to course through the intestines. The function of the duodenum is to mix food with enzymes and bile to digest it. The duodenum is a key organ in the gastrointestinal (GI) system because it helps break down nutrients from food to make them available for absorption into the bloodstream....

An echocardiogram, often called a cardiac echo, is a non-invasive ultrasound imaging test used to observe the heart. Your healthcare provider may order this test to help diagnose various heart conditions. A cardiac echo is considered the best way to visualize the movement and function of the heart muscle and heart valves. You may need a cardiac echo if you have heart valve disease, heart rhythm irregularities, or cardiac muscle diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy....

Many people with eczema notice that their symptoms sometimes get worse. These disease flares are often triggered by certain environmental situations, which can be a little different for all people with eczema. By learning about your eczema triggers, you may be able to avoid them. This may help prevent flares of the disease. What is Eczema? Eczema is the common name for a skin condition formally known as atopic dermatitis. It is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes overly dry skin and itchy, red, and scaly sites on the body....

Emotional immaturity is an ineffectiveness at communicating one’s emotions, with a tendency to overdramatize or focus on oneself. Some key characteristics of an emotionally immature person include selfishness and inadequate communication skills. As a result, they may avoid having difficult conversations or make jokes during serious emotional conflicts. Read on to learn more about emotional immaturity and the impact it can have on relationships. What Is Emotional Immaturity? Emotional immaturity is a person’s inability to express or cope with emotions that are serious in nature....

Gout is a type of arthritis that develops when someone has too much uric acid in the body. This condition, called hyperuricemia, occurs when uric acid builds up and leads to joint pain. While there are a range of possible causes, including genetic influences and underlying medical conditions, your diet can have a direct impact on gout and its severity. Foods high in purines tend to result in more gout symptoms and problems....

Desmoid tumors are benign (noncancerous) tumors that may grow slowly or become more aggressive and invade nearby structures or tissues. Those with a desmoid tumor will work with a multidisciplinary team to develop a treatment plan. The healthcare team may include a variety of professionals such as oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and dietitians. Patients participate in this process by asking questions and expressing opinions and feelings about different treatment methods....

An ear infection happens when the middle ear becomes inflamed and fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Five out of six children will have an ear infection by the time they are 3 years old, making it the most common reason parents bring their child to a healthcare provider. This article discusses the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of ear infections. It also includes information about other possible reasons you or your child may have ear pain and redness....

Treatment for a salmonella infection usually starts with home remedies and over-the-counter medications. You may need prescriptions or medical care as well depending on a number of factors. This includes the severity of the condition, how long it’s lasted, and if you’re experiencing dehydration. As you cope with the symptoms of a salmonella infection, following your treatment plan is key to a prompt, successful recovery. This article discusses the treatments typically used for salmonella, including home remedies, over-the-counter therapies, and prescriptions....

Being a caregiver for a loved one requires careful attention to their symptoms, especially pain. You are the eyes and ears for the healthcare providers who are managing your loved one’s medical care. The healthcare provider will assess pain at every visit or appointment, but it will be up to you to keep track of your loved one’s pain between medical visits. You will be communicating important information about their symptoms back to the healthcare team....

Gaining weight or losing weight can have an impact on your menstrual cycle—either positive or negative. For example, a weight change might take you from irregular to regular, or it might make your periods come less frequently or stop altogether. It depends not just on how much you gain or lose but where you started from. A typical menstrual cycle lasts between 24 and 38 days, with an average of 28 days....

Since hypertension usually does not cause any symptoms, you may not think of putting effort into coping with the condition. However, a diagnosis means that you must dedicate yourself to taking anti-hypertensive medications and making some dietary and lifestyle modifications. High blood pressure is an important risk factor for various diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. So, although you may feel fine, your body needs you to help keep hypertension from causing additional concerns....

The colon is the longest part of the large intestine. Water and some nutrients are absorbed from food waste as it passes through. When the inner lining of the colon becomes inflamed, it’s known as colitis. Many illnesses and injuries can lead to colitis, from an acute (sudden and short-term) infection to a chronic (long-term) disease. Colitis causes abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and other symptoms. For some people, the symptoms come and go....

Ingrown nail surgery is the removal of a nail, or a portion of a nail, that is covered by skin and causing pain and/or infection. It may also involve the destruction of the nail bed itself. This may be done on fingernails or toenails and is considered if conservative measures have proven ineffective. This surgery may also be done if you have recurring ingrown nails and/or are at increased risk for complications (e....