Posts

There are more than 100 types of arthritis. Some are progressive and may shorten lifespan, especially rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is an autoimmune disease (the immune system attacks healthy cells), and gout, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Arthritis by itself is not fatal, but research has shown that the complications that may arise in more severe cases can shorten lifespan by six to seven years. There are many ways to reduce your risk of complications from arthritis....

Stress is a physical, emotional, and psychological reaction that occurs when a person is exposed to change or an external cause. While it’s hard to escape stress, how we manage it is important. Chronic emotional or physical stress can increase the risk of disease. Chronically stressed people may participate in unhealthy behaviors, such as lack of self-care, substance abuse, and sedentary behaviors. However, not all stress is bad for your health....

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway between the forearm bones and ligaments. Tendons and the median nerve run through it. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) develops when inflammation narrows the tunnel and compresses the nerve. This can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in your hands. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury, which means it develops gradually. This article will teach you the most common signs and symptoms and when to see your healthcare provider....

Chafed skin is caused by the frequent and recurrent friction that occurs when there is skin-on-skin rubbing in any area of the body. Chafing of the underarms, inner thighs, buttocks, groin, and nipples can lead to redness and irritation in those areas. Preventing skin chafing can be as simple as keeping areas of the body that tend to rub together dry, using a lubricant that can reduce friction such as petroleum jelly, and dressing appropriately to reduce further irritation or skin-on-skin rubbing....

Researchers have yet to discover an exact cause of chondrosarcoma but have found evidence that suggests genetics may play a role in its development. Several other risk factors have also been identified. This article discusses the genetic component that drives chondrosarcoma and what risk factors are associated with the disease. Genetics Genetic mutations are changes that occur in a person’s genetic sequence. Certain genetic mutations occur in some people that may make them more susceptible to developing chondrosarcoma at some point in their lifetimes....

Will you need to delay cancer treatment due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic? While the newness and uncertainties of the pandemic leave it unclear as to whether to go in for treatment or not, there are now some general guidelines on when to either defer or proceed with treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, as well a recommended approaches for several of the more common cancer types....

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that can cause unpleasant sensations, diminished sensation, weakness, diarrhea, constipation, and difficulty with urination. It can also cause serious health issues, like cardiovascular problems. And the loss of sensation and weakness can lead to injuries and infections. If you have diabetes, it’s important to be aware of the potential effects, including diabetic neuropathy, so you can recognize and avoid the harmful health consequences. This article will discuss the symptoms and complications of diabetic neuropathy....

Diverticulitis surgery involves the removal of part of the colon to treat diverticulitis. This is when pouch-like structures develop within weak areas in the wall of the colon and become inflamed or infected. Those with diverticulitis can experience a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain and constipation. Most cases of diverticulitis can be treated with medical therapies like a clear liquid diet and antibiotics. Diverticulitis surgery is warranted when the condition becomes persistent, or when complications like a hole in the colon (perforation) or an infection within the abdominal cavity (peritonitis) develop....

Dupuytren’s contracture (DC)—also called Dupuytren’s disease—is a condition that causes an abnormal thickening of the fascia (the layer of tissue under the skin) in the palm at the base of the fingers. The thickened area will develop as either a hard lump or a thick band of skin. Over time, the skin’s thickening might cause one or more fingers to contract, pull to the side, or bend toward the palm. The two fingers DC most commonly affects are the ring and pinky fingers....

A gastrectomy is a surgery in which part or all of the stomach is removed. A gastrectomy may be used to treat obesity, peptic ulcers, a perforation (hole) in the stomach, or some forms of cancer. When part of the stomach is removed, it is called a partial, or a subtotal, gastrectomy. When the fundus (the largest part of the stomach) is removed, it is called a sleeve gastrectomy, and is often done as a weight-loss surgery....

Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE) can influence your normal aging process, and your normal aging process likewise can have an effect on your lupus symptoms and your quality of life. What should you know? You probably know that lupus is a lifelong illness, and you know how you feel today. But how will the disease treat you as you grow older? Let’s take a look not only at some of the problems you may face as you get older with lupus, but at some of the positive aspects of aging with the disease....

A parasite cleanse is an herbal remedy used to help your body get rid of parasites in your intestines. While there isn’t a lot of research to support their use, some herbs, seeds, and extracts may benefit you. Natural remedies include papaya seeds, pumpkin seeds, berberine extracts, and wormwood extracts. Garlic, probiotic-rich yogurt, and carrots or sweet potatoes due to their beta-carotene are sometimes recommended to help support your body’s natural defenses....

Underarm deodorants and antiperspirants are some of the most common sources of allergic reactions to cosmetics. They can cause an armpit rash, skin peeling, and more. This article explains the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of deodorant and antiperspirant allergies. Deodorants vs. Antiperspirants The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies deodorants as cosmetic agents. They reduce bacterial growth and include fragrances to mask odors. Symptoms Deodorants and antiperspirants are generally considered safe products....

Vitamin D has been receiving a lot of research attention for two reasons: More information is being gained as to its role in our health.In the overall population, rates of vitamin D deficiency are increasing. One small but emerging area of research has to do with vitamin D’s relationship with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this overview, you will become educated about vitamin D, find out what the latest research is uncovering regarding its role in IBS, and how to ensure you are taking in adequate amounts of this important substance....

Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus, also known as Streptococcus pyogenes. This group of bacteria can also cause other infections, including scarlet fever, pneumonia, sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, and necrotizing fasciitis, which can be life-threatening. While strep throat only accounts for a small number of sore throats, it is generally more common in children (ages 5 to 15) than adults....

Lung neoplasms are tumors that form either from lung tissue, also known as a primary neoplasm, or from the distant spread of cancer from another part of the body, also known as metastatic neoplasms of the lung. This article will look at the different types of lung neoplasms, as well as causes and treatment options. Definition of Lung Neoplasm It’s easy to think “cancer” when you hear the terms “lung neoplasm” or “tumor,” but many times that is not the case....

If you’ve been diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), you may wonder how to manage disease flares or MCTD exacerbations. An MCTD flare is marked by an increase in symptoms that can vary in severity. These symptoms can include pain, fever, skin rash, and extreme fatigue, depending on which overlap autoimmune conditions your MCTD more closely resembles. To live well with MCTD, it’s important to understand the symptoms and possible triggers of flares so that you can properly manage your health....

Mollaret meningitis is a type of recurrent aseptic meningitis. Aseptic meningitis is inflammation or a viral infection of the meninges, which are the three-layer membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Mollaret meningitis specifically refers to recurrent viral meningitis. The symptoms are the same as individual episodes of viral meningitis and include headaches, fever, and neck stiffness. The key feature of Mollaret meningitis is that it is chronic or recurs....

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive autoimmune disease that develops when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath (fatty coating of nerves) of nerves in the brain, spinal cord, and/or eyes. This is called demyelination and it affects the transmission of electrical impulses tied to movement, breathing, thinking, and more. The damage can lead to a variety of symptoms including fatigue, muscle weakness, vision issues, and cognitive dysfunction. There are so many possible symptoms of MS that it’s rare for two people with the disease to have the exact same ones....

Comorbidities are two medical conditions that occur together in the same person at the same time. For example, a person may have bipolar disorder and an anxiety disorder. Bipolar disorder can sometimes occur with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. Read on to learn more about the connection between these conditions and how they are treated. What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition that involves a person experiencing intrusive thoughts over and over that prompt them to perform an action to try and neutralize the thoughts....