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Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects around 25 million Americans, including 8% of adults and 7% of children. Symptoms of asthma include chest tightening, difficult breathing, mucous, coughing, and wheezing. Asthma is triggered differently in people and can be caused by allergies, exercise, and environmental toxins. While the best treatments for asthma include avoidance of triggers, limited research suggests that adequate hydration is important for asthma management, and certain types of beverages may be better than others....

Everyone experiences migraines differently. Therefore, caring for a person with migraines requires an individualized—rather than an algorithmic—approach. This means that when you see a neurologist or headache specialist, they will likely delve into a discussion of various factors in order to best sort out your unique migraine profile. Age Age is a big factor when it comes to diagnosing and treating migraines, especially when it comes to migraines in children versus adults....

Being choosy about what you eat when you have diarrhea can help you to feel better faster. Stick to bland foods that are binding and won’t further irritate your digestive system. The well-known BRAT diet—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—fits the bill nicely. Other foods recommended on a diarrhea diet include soft-cooked eggs, low-fat yogurt, clear soups and broths, plain pasta, and soda crackers, like Saltines. Avoid foods that are high in fiber, acidic, or high in fat....

What Is Zoloft? Zoloft (sertraline) is a prescription medication used to treat mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, and others. It belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is a natural substance in your brain that helps regulate mood. As an SSRI, Zoloft works in the brain to increase serotonin, which helps improve symptoms of depression or anxiety. Low serotonin levels are linked to mood disorders like depression....

It’s finally here. After months of speculation, polls, and sponsored advertisements, it’s the last chance for Americans to cast their vote in the 2020 presidential election. With a promise from the White House to challenge votes they deem to be suspect, the result of the contest likely won’t be known for a few days—or weeks. For those living with anxiety, it’s normal to be worried about the outcome. Here are some ways to fight the stress on election night....

A Bartholin’s cyst, also known as Bartholin’s gland cyst or a Bartholin’s duct cyst, occurs when a Bartholin’s gland—one of two glands responsible for the lubrication of the vagina—fills up with fluid. The openings of the glands, located at either side of the vaginal entrance, can sometimes get obstructed due to an infection or other cause. When this occurs, the accumulation of fluid will lead to the formation of a cyst....

Esophageal varices are varicose veins in the esophagus. These veins, like any varicose veins, can rupture and bleed very easily. Esophageal variceal bleeding is a potentially life-threatening condition that must be recognized and treated quickly. Causes Varicose veins are veins that have become engorged and the walls stretched thin. They’re commonly found in the legs and can develop with age because, well, gravity. Veins return blood to the heart and do not have the same thick, muscular walls as arteries....

The acronym “TMJ” is often used for “temporomandibular disorders” (or “TMDs”), but “TMJ” merely refers to the temporomandibular joint. TMD encompasses more than 30 disorders that can cause pain and dysfunction in the joint and the muscles that help with jaw movement. There are various treatments for TMDs. One that has been of recent interest is Botox (botulinum toxin type A). This article will discuss this treatment and what you can expect from it....

Calendula is a marigold plant that has long been used for its skin health benefits, such as helping with wound healing. Calendula petals are rich in naturally occurring compounds called flavonoids. These compounds are said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombogenic, antidiabetic, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects. This article will go over how calendula is used. You will also learn about the possible side effects and risks of using calendula. What Is Calendula? Calendula is a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants, from the Asterales order....

Reviewing cancer symptoms can be surprising—and worrying. While there are several common symptoms of cancer, there are few that are specific to this group of diseases. Aside from those you may immediately associate with cancer (e.g., a breast lump or skin changes), symptoms such as bloating, persistent cough, and others can also occur. Of course, these vague symptoms may also indicate something else entirely. Symptoms of cancer vary widely depending on the type of disease....

Clenbuterol is a beta agonist. In some parts of the world, it is used to treat breathing difficulties caused by conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the United States, however, clenbuterol is not approved for this purpose. What’s more, it has been used illegally by athletes as a performance enhancer similar to anabolic steroids. What It Does Beta agonists copy the effect of hormones called catecholamines—specifically epinephrine but also norepinephrine and dopamine....

Dandruff occurs when excess skin cells flake off the scalp. Some people notice it as white flakes that they see in their hair or on their clothes. Dandruff can also cause itchiness, but if you scratch it, it can cause scalp irritation, which can worsen the condition. There are a number of remedies for dandruff, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription shampoos. Some people prefer to use natural remedies to treat dandruff to avoid chemicals as well as scalp irritation and drying....

Multiple sclerosis (MS) crisis events, better known as relapses, attacks, flare-ups, or exacerbations, are a hallmark feature of MS. They are defined as new or worsening neurological symptoms that last for 24 hours or more in the absence of a fever or infection. This article will provide insight into recognizing and treating MS crisis events/relapses. Guidance on preventing these sometimes devastating attacks will also be reviewed. What Is a Crisis Event With MS?...

What Is Elmiron? Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) belongs to a family of anticoagulant drugs known as low molecular-weight heparins. Although other anticoagulants are used as blood thinners, Elmiron is indicated to treat discomfort or bladder pain related to interstitial cystitis (IC), a chronic condition that causes bladder pain and pressure. Pentosan polysulfate sodium is thought to work by protecting the bladder. It creates a barrier on the bladder wall, which reduces leaks and prevents irritation and inflammation....

Flurbiprofen is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) that comes in a tablet form, as an ophthalmic solution (eye drop), in an intravenous (IV, in a vein) formulation, and as an ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) throat lozenges. The tablet is used to treat signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis, and it is used off-label for other types of pain, including dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). The eye drops are used during certain types of eye surgery....

Glucosamine is a compound found naturally in the body. It’s needed to form and repair cartilage and other body tissues. Since glucosamine production slows with age, some people use glucosamine supplements to fight aging-related health conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Most supplements are made with marine-life shells, such as shrimp and crabs. This article explains how glucosamine works, and its benefits and side effects. It also covers what to look for when choosing a glucosamine supplement....

If you have pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in your toes, feet, or lower legs, you may have a condition called peripheral neuropathy. This condition is usually chronic and progressive and may be caused by a variety of problems. Peripheral neuropathy can be managed with a combination of self-care home treatments and medication. Making some lifestyle changes may also improve symptoms caused by peripheral neuropathy. This article takes a look at the causes of peripheral neuropathy and the various home remedies and lifestyle changes that may help you manage the nerve pain in your feet....

The flu (influenza) can usually be managed in adults, teens, and older children, but babies and children under 2 are at high risk of complications due to their immature immune systems. Because of this, they are more likely to be hospitalized, develop pneumonia, and possibly die as a result of the infection. Babies under 6 months are at the highest risk overall because the flu vaccine cannot be used in them safely....

You’re likely to want to pop a pimple at some point, though there are safer and smarter ways to deal with your skin blemishes. If that’s the case, then you’ll want to know how to do it without causing more skin damage. You’ll also want to avoid infection, especially if something more than a pimple is going on with your skin. This article explains the best way to pop a pimple....

Do you ever wonder if your personality is related to your headache or migraine health? In other words, does the burden and pain of your headache or migraine attacks influence who you are as a person? Does your personality influence the type, severity, or intensity of your attacks? The answer, according to evolving scientific research, is that yes, certain personality traits may be associated with primary headache disorders. That being said, this link simply implies an association....