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Hyperglycemia occurs when there is too much sugar or glucose in the bloodstream. It is often associated with diabetes mellitus. Typically, hyperglycemia is a result of insulin deficiency, insulin resistance, or a combination of both. However, people who do not have diabetes can also experience hyperglycemia. It’s usually caused by another underlying medical condition, stress (like surgery or trauma), or by certain medications. Here is an overview of what you should know about acute and chronic hyperglycemia....

Inulin is a type of prebiotic, a compound that encourages the healthy growth of gut bacteria. Beneficial gut bacteria support gut health and immunity, as well as reduce disease risk. Inulin is also a type of fermentable fiber, meaning bacteria metabolize it in the large intestine. Inulin is a type of oligosaccharide called a fructan. Fructans are a chain of fructose (sugar) molecules strung together. Inulin is found naturally in the roots of many foods, such as whole wheat, onions, garlic, and artichokes....

A concussion is a mild type of traumatic brain injury typically caused by a sharp blow or bump to the head that can sometimes lead to serious complications. After a concussion, you may wonder if you should stay awake after hitting your head just to be in the clear. The common advice is that you should wait before going to sleep with a concussion to ensure you won’t fall unconscious and slip into a coma....

Gastric banding (commercial trademarked as the Lap-Band procedure) is a form of weight-loss surgery that restricts the stomach to limit food intake. Most patients can expect to reduce excess body weight by 40% to 50% within two years following Lap-Band placement. Unlike gastric bypass, the Lap-Band is adjustable and removable, resulting in faster recovery time and greater dietary flexibility. Lap-Band surgery is performed laparoscopically, by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach with a hollow silicone band....

Chest pain can be a confusing symptom, and it is one that should not be ignored. It may mean something as simple as acid reflux, or it could indicate a significant and dangerous problem like cardiac disease. For this reason, chest pain and chest tightness should be taken seriously. Chest pain, also known as angina, may manifest as a variety of symptoms, including chest pressure or tightness. Many people describe their chest tightness as a squeezing sensation, causing significant enough discomfort to take notice....

Low-dose naltrexone therapy helps to relieve pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Naltrexone is a medication that has been used to treat alcohol dependence and opioid-use disorder for more than 30 years. More recently, researchers found low doses of naltrexone—about 1/30th the standard dose—may be useful for other conditions. This article discusses low-dose naltrexone benefits and uses related to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It also explains the side effect of LDN therapy and what to avoid when taking naltrexone....

Marijuana comes from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. It’s often made from the dried leaves and flowers of the plant and even the seeds and stems. It contains a chemical called THC, which is a psychoactive chemical. While many people use marijuana (it’s the third most commonly used addictive drug, after tobacco and alcohol) most won’t become addicted. About 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will become addicted; when they start using before the age of 18, the number increases to 1 in 6....

Nystatin is a prescription medication used to treat fungal (or yeast) infections that affect the skin, mouth, and intestinal tract. It is part of the polyene group of antifungal drugs. It is primarily prescribed for candidiasis, yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus that lives naturally in and on the human body. Oral nystatin is used to treat oral thrush. Topical nystatin is used to treat fungal infections of the skin....

With the explosive growth of wearable technology that is able to collect basic health-related biometric data—including information about daily physical activity, step counts, heart rate, and sleep—the increased focus on optimizing these metrics may lead to unexpected problems. Sleep may be worsened by unhelpful changes, causing a condition called orthosomnia. What is orthosomnia? Learn how analyzing the quantified self with wearable fitness trackers may lead to increased anxiety and insomnia, and what to do about it....

Paralysis describes complete or partial weakness of the body or part of the body. It can occur suddenly or gradually as a result of conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. If you or someone else experiences paralysis, it’s important to get medical attention right away—it could be caused by a health emergency, such as a stroke or damage to the spine. This article will describe the symptoms of paralysis, types, possible causes, diagnosis, and treatment, and when to see a healthcare provider....

Precipitous labor, or rapid labor, is when you give birth less than three hours after contractions first begin. This is much faster than average labor, which usually takes six to 18 hours. Several factors can affect your chances of precipitous labor. Though it can happen to anyone, it is more likely in young mothers, those delivering prematurely, and those who have already given birth vaginally. This article discusses exactly what defines precipitous labor and how it differs from typical labor....

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are an effective treatment for sleep apnea, but the therapy may not be as effective if you have a cold, flu, or respiratory infection. In some cases, using a CPAP with a stuffy nose may make it even more difficult to breathe. The CPAP mask can also become contaminated with bacteria, increasing the risk of a secondary infection. Taking a break from CPAP therapy when you have a cold is generally safe....

Sjögren’s antibodies include anti-SS-A (also called anti-Ro) and anti-SS-B (also called anti-La). These antibody levels can be measured in the blood. Anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B are considered autoantibodies. They contribute to disease by attacking the body’s own tissue. Elevated levels of these autoantibodies are strongly associated with Sjögren’s syndrome, in which they attack healthy glands that make tears and saliva, but they can also be present in several other autoimmune conditions....

Large music festivals are a hallmark of summer with dozens of artists and thousands of screaming fans gathering for one weekend. Festivals are a memorable experience for music lovers, but they aren’t exactly the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19. Key Takeaways Large outdoor music festivals have returned this summer with varying degrees of COVID-19 vaccination requirements for attendees. Some experts are concerned that it’s unsafe to hold large gatherings as the Delta variant spread worsens....

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The only way to definitively diagnose syphilis is through antibody testing. Learn more about testing for syphilis, when to get tested, how testing works, what to expect, and what to do if you test positive. Syphilis Tests The only way to definitively diagnose syphilis is through testing, which can help diagnose syphilis in its earliest stages, when it is easiest to treat. If left undetected and untreated, the infection can progress to more serious stages that can cause lasting damage....

The difference between the medical definitions of overweight and obesity hinges solely on body mass index (BMI), but experts are beginning to think there are other types of obesity as well. If true, this could help explain why some weight-loss approaches work for some people and not for others. Difference Between Obesity and Overweight Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2. To be classified as obese, a patient must have a BMI of 30....

For some people, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and food allergies can be associated with each other. While eczema in some patients may be worsened by food allergies, there is evidence that eczema may sometimes be responsible for the development of these allergies. Prevalence Eczema and food allergies are common in the developed world. Research suggests that eczema affects roughly 20% of children and up to 5% of adults. By comparison, around 7% of children and 6% of adults report symptoms of at least one food allergy....

Growths on the hand and wrist can have a wide range of causes and are often described as lumps, nodules, tumors, or cysts. They are usually not cancerous, but they could be uncomfortable. And because they are located in such a visible area of the body, they can be unsightly—and may make you feel self-conscious. Most of the time, a tumor in this location can be diagnosed based on its appearance and texture....

AB positive (AB+) and O negative (O-) are considered universal blood types. People who are AB+ are universal recipients, meaning they can safely receive a blood transfusion using any other blood type. O- individuals are universal donors, meaning their blood can be given to people of any blood type. Having a universal blood type can save a life—either yours or someone else’s—in an emergency. Only about 7% of people are O-, and their blood bank donations are in high demand because this type is used most often for those in need of a transfusion....

Certain eye drops can be used with contact lenses, including rewetting drops that make the eyes feel more comfortable. However, some eye drops should not be used with contact lenses and may end up causing eye irritation and redness. This article looks at four types of eye drops found on most drugstore shelves and outlines which are safe and which can cause problems if you wear contacts. It also explains when to remove your contacts and call your eye doctor when problems arise....