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Even though prompt diagnosis and management of shingles are key to shortening its course and reducing the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (a chronic, painful complication), the COVID-19 pandemic made this challenging. Patients were understandably hesitant to see their healthcare providers in person due to concerns of COVID-19 exposure and spread. While healthcare providers are now taking excellent precautions to still see patients in their office or clinic, the vast expansion of telehealth services during the pandemic has allowed those with ailments like shingles to effectively access care from the comfort and safety of their own homes (if they desire)....

A central line is a type of catheter (flexible tube) that allows fluids to flow in and out of your body. It is placed in a large vein so blood can be drawn and various intravenous (IV) fluids can be delivered directly into a vein. Common reasons for central line placement include: Giving fluids (fluid resuscitation) Measuring fluids (to see if you’re dehydrated or have received enough fluids) Monitoring heart function Taking blood (blood draw) Dialysis Long-term therapy (e....

A new report shows that one in five COVID-19 diagnostic tests produce a false-negative result, even when administered at the ideal time. As a result, researchers are cautioning against using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests as the sole source of diagnosis during the pandemic. RT-PCR tests are the most commonly-used diagnostic tests for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. Key Takeaways The main diagnostic tests that detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus can have extremely high false-negative rates....

Most people will experience a headache at some point in their life. Determining the type of headache a person has is key to knowing how to manage it best. It’s also important for deciding if and when they should seek medical attention. The location of the headache—whether it’s the entire head, one side of the head, the front of the head, or the back of the head—is a good first step in sorting out headache type....

The symptoms of acne begin with a plugged pore, which then causes a lesion on the skin. This can range from non-inflamed bumps and blackheads to inflamed, red pimples and pustules. The most severe symptoms are seen in cystic acne, which can lead to scarring. Frequent Symptoms Blemishes are the core symptom of acne, and you can easily see or feel them on yourself, your kids, or other people in your care....

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve cells (myelin) in the brain and spinal cord, impairing nerve signaling and causing a variety of symptoms. This is a lifelong condition, but there are a variety of ways people with MS can prevent the disease from progressing, and treat or cope with symptoms. This article discusses complementary and alternative medicine treatment options for MS....

Antihistamines can play a crucial role in managing allergic asthma. Allergic asthma, also known as atopic or allergy-induced asthma, is triggered by exposure to an allergen. This exposure sets off an overreaction of the immune system, during which the body releases a chemical called histamine. Histamine is responsible for allergic symptoms. In people with allergic asthma, histamine causes airway (bronchiole) constriction. It also causes excess mucus production. Together, these effects impede airflow to the lungs....

Makeda Robinson, MD, PhD, is an infectious disease specialist currently studying virus-host interactions in emerging viruses at Stanford University. Each week, Dr. Robinson breaks down complicated COVID-19 topics and addresses pressing public health concerns. With massive testing shortages, ineffective tests, and an inability to implement widespread testing strategies, the U.S. has been plagued by testing-related issues since the start of this pandemic. However, as technology catches up with the evolving information surrounding SARS-CoV-2, scientists are beginning to develop innovative, rapid, and accurate tests that can help curb the spread of COVID-19....

Asmanex (mometasone) is an inhaled medication prescribed for the long-term management of asthma symptoms. It belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids, which work by reducing inflammation in the airways, decreasing sensitivity to asthma triggers, and lowering the risk of an asthma attack. As such, it is regarded as a controller medication for asthma. Asmanex is available as either an aerosolized metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or a non-aerosolized dry powder inhaler (DPI)....

Balance problems are a common reason why many older adults seek help from a healthcare provider. Others may need balance help because of a stroke or other medical issue. Fortunately, balance is a motor skill that, like any other, can often get better the more you work on it. To help you build your strength and stability, your healthcare provider may refer you to a physical therapist for balance therapy. Improved balance can help you keep your independence and carry out daily tasks with less risk of injury....

Barrel chest is a rounded, bulging chest that is similar in shape to a barrel. While not technically a medical term, barrel chest is often used by healthcare providers to describe a physical characteristic consistent with cases of late-stage emphysema, in which the chest may become fixed in an outward position. Barrel chest can also occur with cystic fibrosis, severe asthma, and other health issues. Symptoms Barrel chest is not usually painful....

BPD splitting is a symptom of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in which a person is unable to hold opposing thoughts and concludes that something is either entirely good or entirely bad. With BPD splitting, there is no middle ground, and the person will view the nature of people and situations as either black-or-white or all-or-nothing. An example is declaring a romantic interest “my future husband” or “future wife” and, after then, after the romantic interest is rebuffed, declaring that “I wasn’t interested anyway....

A CRP test measures the amount of C-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Because high levels of CRP are reliable indicators of inflammation, a CRP blood test can be an important first step in diagnosing medical conditions that cause inflammation. This includes infections and autoimmune diseases, such as lupus. Although the CRP test cannot reveal where the inflammation is occurring or what is causing it, results can point your healthcare provider in the direction of the likely suspects....

When two or more distinct medical conditions occur in the same person, they are considered comorbid conditions—meaning they occur at the same time. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are generally considered distinct, yet overlapping—they are two different medical conditions, yet they share symptoms. But FMS and ME/CFS also have a host of comorbid (co-occurring) conditions associated with them, including other pain conditions, sleep problems, major depression, nervous system disorders, and digestive problems....

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that affects the mucus and sweat glands. CF causes mucus in the body to become thick and sticky, leading to several health problems. CF can affect the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, and sex organs. People living with CF are also at an increased risk of lung infections. CF symptoms vary from person to person, so you may not know how severe your child’s disease will be....

If you have breast implants or are thinking of getting them, you may have heard that they cause cancer. Research has linked some breast implants to specific types of cancer, but this connection is very rare. There is no link between breast implants currently on the market and cancer. Historically textured implants have had a higher positive cancer rate than smooth implants. Worldwide, surgeons place more than 1 million breast implants annually, and only around 1,100 people with breast implants have developed a rare type of cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)....

Elecampane (Inula helenium L.) is an herb in the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. It originates from Europe and parts of Asia and is widespread in North America. Most commonly, elecampane is used in traditional medicine for respiratory issues and stomach issues. This article discusses the most common traditional uses of elecampane. It also covers possible side effects and other considerations. Uses of Elecampane Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, nurse practitioner, physician associate, or doctor....

In breast cancer treatment, radiation fibrosis—scar tissue that forms as a result of damage caused by radiation therapy—can occur in the breast and chest wall. It can also strike the lungs and bones. It often begins with inflammation during radiation therapy and is most common in the first two years post-treatment, though it can occur up to 10 years after therapy is completed. Fibrosis is a potentially painful, life-long condition, as the tissue changes may be permanent....

Eligible Americans can now purchase hearing aids for a fraction of the original cost. Key Takeaways The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is making a new class of hearing aid devices available over-the-counter (OTC) for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.Previously, hearing aids were only available by prescription.Starting October 17, the hearing aids are available in retail stores and online for hundreds—instead of thousands —of dollars.The FDA said that OTC hearing aids are not intended for children under the age of 18 or adults with severe hearing loss....

There are several things you need to keep in mind as you prepare for a total hip replacement surgery. You might need to adjust some of your medications, like blood thinners. And you need to prepare your home so it will be easy and safe for you to get around as you are recovering. Total hip replacement, also known as total hip arthroplasty, is the removal of the “ball and socket” of the original hip joint, and replacement with a prosthesis (artificial joint)....