Normocytic anemia is a low number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Most of the red blood cells in normocytic anemia are normal in size, and they are usually normochromic (normal color). This common type of anemia can occur due to chronic disease, blood loss, or hemolysis (a condition in which the red blood cells break open and are destroyed). Normocytic anemia can be identified with a blood test....
While specific foods and supplements can’t treat or reverse thyroid disease, eating a healthy, thyroid-friendly diet can support your thyroid function, help you maintain or lose weight, and may even help reduce some of your symptoms like fatigue, constipation, and slow metabolism. More research is needed to better understand the exact impact of food on thyroid health, but there’s some scientific evidence for how certain nutrients affect thyroid function. The following dos and don’ts are a great place to start when you’re looking to make some changes....
Pars plana vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery used to treat a variety of problems with the retina or the vitreous. These problems can include diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment. Other names for pars plana vitrectomy include PPV and vitrectomy. This article will address what a pars plana vitrectomy is, its contraindications and risks, and what to expect from this type of surgery. What Is a Pars Plana Vitrectomy? A pars plana vitrectomy can help improve vision....
PIK3CA gene mutations are genetic changes found in some breast cancers (as well as other cancers) that appear to promote the growth of the tumors. PIK3 (phosphoinositide 3-kinase), the protein produced by this gene, is part of a signaling pathway that has been studied extensively in the hope of halting the growth of metastatic breast cancer. PIK3CA gene mutations are common in breast cancer, occurring in roughly 30% to 40% of tumors, and most commonly found in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer....
Psoralens are chemicals found in certain plants. These chemicals make the skin temporarily more sensitive to light. As a light-sensitive drug that absorbs longwave ultraviolet radiation (ultraviolet A, or UVA), psoralen is used with a type of light therapy called PUVA therapy. PUVA therapy is used to treat many different skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and skin problems related to lymphomas (cancer of the lymph system that fights infections). Psoralens can be taken orally or can be applied topically....
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), of which there are many, have a varied set of symptoms. It’s possible that you may experience genital itching, discharge, pain, skin changes, or other symptoms—or even none at all. In fact, some of the most serious infections produce no signs or symptoms until significant damage has occurred, which puts both the person affected and their partner(s) at risk. Only a healthcare professional can confirm whether or not you have an STD....
The nasal cavity consists of all the bones, tissues, blood vessels and nerves that make up the interior portion of the nose. The most important functions of the nasal cavity include warming and humidifying the air as you breathe and acting as a barrier for the immune system to keep harmful microbes from entering the body. Anatomy The inside of the nose, including the bones, cartilage and other tissue, blood vessels and nerves, all the way back posteriorly to the nasopharynx, is called the nasal cavity....
There are several different types of chemotherapy. Each one works differently to treat cancer. The type of chemo you receive will depend on the type of cancer, how advanced it is, and your overall health. This article will describe the different types of chemotherapy, including alkylating agents, antimetabolites, antitumor antibiotics, and others. Different Types of Chemo There are several different types of chemotherapy, and your medical team may recommend one or more for your treatment....
The Americas haven’t seen many of the viruses that are more common in Africa and Asia, but the Americas do have mosquitoes and other vectors. These are often the same or similar mosquitoes as found around the world; just as globalization spreads viruses, it also spreads mosquitoes. As such, when a new virus lands, if it can spread through one of the mosquitoes (or other vectors) found in the Americas, it spreads fast....
The amount of sleep you need each night changes over the course of your life. In fact, your sleep needs are closely connected to your age. This article explores how much sleep you need and what your target bedtimes should be at every age. It also discusses some common problems that keep people from getting to bed on time and falling asleep easily. How Much Sleep You Need To decide what your bedtime should be, it’s important to think about how much sleep it takes to leave you feeling refreshed....
Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant that is used for the treatment of a number of conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD). It is also used off label for managing a variety of medical problems, ranging from neuropathic pain to certain types of sexual dysfunction. Zoloft is considered a safe medication, but it can produce side effects, such as decreased appetite and tremors, and there are certain precautions you need to consider before taking Zoloft....
Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed hypersensitivity skin reaction that occurs after you touch a substance that you are allergic to. For example, allergic contact dermatitis might occur when a person who is allergic to latex wears latex gloves. Though they do not notice any change in their skin right after taking the gloves off, a red and itchy rash develops on their hands the next day. Latex along with metals and personal care products are common allergic contact dermatitis triggers....
The cracking sound that toes sometimes make may be harmless, or it could be a sign of arthritis or other conditions in need of medical treatment. The grating, cracking, or popping noises made by joints—referred to as crepitus—is rarely serious, but there are times when it may be a sign of fracture or other problems in need of immediate care. This article explains the causes of cracking or popping toes, both harmless and serious....
When it comes to autism and education, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. As with so much in the world of autism, the definition of a good educational program depends upon the individual child. Autism spectrum disorder has two core features doctors use to make a diagnosis: social communication difficulties and restricted or repetitive interests and behaviors. Among people on the spectrum, there is a wide variation of functioning levels. Most autistic children need some degree of classroom support, but the needs will vary greatly from child to child....
An axial spondyloarthritis diagnosis can be tricky because there isn’t a single test for it. Healthcare providers must consider a person’s history of symptoms, physical exam, and various blood and imaging tests. It is less common than other back pain, sometimes causing an incorrect diagnosis for many years. This article discusses signs you may have axial spondylarthritis and the tests that diagnose the condition. Signs You May Need an Axial Spondyloarthritis Assessment On average, people with axial spondyloarthritis aren’t diagnosed until seven to 10 years after their symptoms start....
A barium enema, also known as lower gastrointestinal (GI) series, is a procedure in which a liquid containing barium sulfate is introduced into the rectum to obtain high-contrast X-ray images of the large intestine (colon). On its own, an X-ray produces poor images of soft tissue. By coating the tissue with barium, a chalky crystalline compound, the radiologist is able to get a relatively clear silhouette of the colon. A barium enema uses a technique called fluoroscopy, which produces real-time video images, making it possible to see the colon and adjacent structures in motion....
What Is Belsomra? Belsomra (suvorexant) is a prescription medication used to help with sleep. Specifically, it is for adults with insomnia, having difficulty falling asleep or difficulty staying asleep. Belsomra is an orexin antagonist, meaning that it works by preventing the binding of the wake-promoting neuropeptides, orexin-A and orexin-B, to the orexin type 1 (OX1R) and type 2 (OX2R) receptors. This process is thought to calm down the body’s natural wake drive, helping to treat insomnia....
Cancer patients have unique dietary needs depending on what type of cancer they have and their current treatment plan. Part of eating well with cancer is making sure you’re getting enough calories and nutrients to maintain your strength and energy levels. Here are some tips on how to eat before, during, and after cancer treatment. Before Cancer Treatment If you’re preparing for surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, your healthcare provider may tell you to increase your calorie and protein intake beforehand....
Erysipelas is an infection of the outer layers of skin caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes. Symptoms include pain, redness, and rash and, often, fever, chills, and malaise. Erysipelas also can cause swelling and blockage of the superficial vessels of the lymphatic system. Although potentially serious, erysipelas usually can be treated with antibiotics. Erysipelas is sometimes referred to as St. Anthony’s Fire because of the fiery appearance of the rash....
Chemotherapy and radiation are types of cancer treatment. While chemotherapy kills cancer cells systemically (throughout the whole body), radiation targets cancer in a specific area of the body. Some people may need only one of the two treatments, while others may need both chemotherapy and radiation. Although each effectively treats cancer, chemo and radiation work very differently. This article covers the differences between chemotherapy and radiation. What to Know About Chemotherapy Chemotherapy (chemo) refers to the use of drugs (medications) to treat cancer, and it is one of the most common treatments....
