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Moraxella catarrhalis (M. catarrhalis), also known as Branhamella catarrhalis (B. catarrhalis), is a type of bacteria that causes upper respiratory (nose, sinuses, and throat) and lower respiratory (lungs, bronchi, and bronchioles) infections. M. catarrhalis is typically found in the nasopharynx of young children and is one cause of childhood infections such as otitis media (middle ear infection), sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), and conjunctivitis (pink eye). It can also cause respiratory disease in adults, such as bronchopneumonia....

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are often included in a treatment plan for multiple sclerosis (MS). These medications have been shown to reduce the number of relapses, slow the progression of disability, and limit new disease activity, as seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty-three DMTs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for MS. During treatment, there are instances in which you or your healthcare provider may want to change your MS medication....

Paresthesias are a common symptom of fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Paresthesia is defined as abnormal sensations such as tingling, crawling, itching, numbness, and prickling. Most of the time, paresthesias aren’t painful. However, due to abnormal pain processing and nervous system activity, people with fibromyalgia and ME/CFS often report that they do cause pain. This article looks at what paresthesias are like in fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, what causes them, and how they’re treated....

As an autoimmune disorder, plaque psoriasis remains something of a mystery in how it causes disease. While genetics play a significant role, other factors are believed to contribute. What is known is that certain conditions and behaviors can either trigger psoriasis symptoms or increase the frequency or severity of an outbreak. These triggers range from infections and obesity to medications and stress. Genetics Family history is the strongest risk factor for developing plaque psoriasis....

The total thyroxine test is used to diagnose thyroid disorders. Thyroxine (T4) is a thyroid hormone, and the test measures how much is in your blood. Some thyroid diseases are tied to too little T4, and others are tied to too much. Other names for this test are a total T4 test, total T4 concentration, and a thyroxine screen. Purpose of Test The thyroid is a gland in the front of your throat that makes hormones and regulates a variety of important functions including energy use, weight, body temperature, and mood....

Unstable angina, a form of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), causes random or unpredictable chest pain as a result of partial blockage of an artery that supplies the heart. In contrast to stable angina, the pain or discomfort of unstable angina often occurs while resting, lasts longer, is not eased with medication, and is unrelated to any obvious trigger, such as physical exertion or emotional stress. Emergency medical attention is necessary....

What Is Vasotec? Vasotec (enalapril) is a prescription medication used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It belongs to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drug class. Vasotec contains the active drug enalapril. It works on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to lower blood pressure. Enalapril decreases the chemicals that tighten blood vessels, causing the blood vessels to relax. This action improves the blood flow and makes it easier for the heart to circulate blood efficiently....

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common dementia type in people over 65. It’s a progressive disease that impairs your cognitive ability and interferes with your ability to function. Common symptoms include: Memory lossInability to problem-solveLack of judgment While no two cases of Alzheimer’s follow the same path, the progression of AD generally falls into three primary stages based on signs and symptoms. This article looks at the three stages of Alzheimer’s disease recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), how they interfere with activities of daily living (ADL), and what stage 3 of Alzheimer’s is like depending on the severity of dementia....

Most people who have psoriasis need to see healthcare providers on a regular basis. Ideally, they see providers who specialize in treating skin conditions. Unfortunately, access to care can be challenging for some people with psoriasis due to their region, socioeconomic status, and other demographic factors. This article discusses barriers to treatment for people with psoriasis and how to overcome them. Access to Care and Psoriasis Access to care means having the ability to see the kind of provider you need, when you need to see them....

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that begins in childhood but often persists into adulthood. It is classified into three subtypes: inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type, and combination type. Inattentive symptoms include trouble focusing, difficulty following through on tasks and instructions, making “careless” mistakes, losing items, and problems with other activities that require sustained mental focus. Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include being constantly in motion, physical restlessness, trouble with impulse control, interrupting or blurting out responses, and difficulty waiting for a turn....

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure (CHF) are two conditions that can cause dyspnea (shortness of breath), exercise intolerance, and fatigue. They both also progress over time and tend to affect smokers over the age of 60. While there are ways to differentiate the two to determine whether you have COPD or CHF, they can also co-exist—a situation that cannot be overlooked, as it worsens overall well-being and complicates treatment....

Bartter syndrome is a rare inherited disorder that impedes the kidneys’ ability to reabsorb salt, potassium, calcium, and other electrolytes, leading to the excessive loss of all of these compounds in urine. Also known as salt-wasting nephropathy, Bartter syndrome is characterized by dehydration, fatigue, cramping, weakness, brittle bones, and hardening of the kidneys (glomerulosclerosis). The disease can be diagnosed with blood tests and urinalysis and confirmed with a genetic test. Treatment is directed at managing the symptoms of the disease on a case-by-case basis....

Statins are commonly prescribed to improve cholesterol levels. They lower LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides while raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol. However, they also have the potential for drug interactions with common over-the-counter and prescription medications and some supplements. These interactions can interfere with the way the drug works, changing its effectiveness or causing side effects. In addition, if you have certain medical conditions, you should avoid statins or use them with caution....

Celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity can affect far more than just your digestive system—they also may affect your skin, in the form of several distinct skin conditions. Around 15% to 25% of people with celiac have dermatitis herpetiformis, a rash considered the skin manifestation of celiac disease. But this is by no means the only skin problem people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity may have. Skin Conditions Linked to Celiac Disease Besides dermatitis herpetiformis, people with celiac disease may have eczema, psoriasis, acne, chronic dry skin, hives, and alopecia areata....

Cholesterol is a substance that is waxy and fat-like. It circulates through your blood, so all of your cells have cholesterol. Although your body needs cholesterol to make hormones, cells, and vitamins, too much cholesterol can become a health problem and may cause cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) disease. This article discusses the different types of cholesterol, levels, risk factors, and steps to lower cholesterol levels. Dietary Cholesterol Cholesterol in your body comes from two main sources: your liver and your diet....

The goal of a hepatitis diet is to minimize stress on your liver, which is already compromised by the inflammation that defines the condition. Perhaps surprisingly, an ideal eating plan for chronic hepatitis is simply one that aligns with healthy eating guidelines for all adults provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A nutritious diet can help you maintain an optimal weight and may help you to preserve healthy liver function....

Rhinosinusitis (or sinusitis), more commonly known as a sinus infection, affects 30 million people in the United States each year. When a sinus infection lasts for 12 weeks or longer, it’s known as chronic rhinosinusitis. Nasal polyps, which are small, noncancerous growths in the nose or sinuses, often occur with chronic rhinosinusitis. These conditions occur together because of chronic inflammation in the nasal and sinus membranes. This article will explore the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of both chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps, as well as ways to prevent or reduce the frequency of nasal polyps....

Claustrophobia is a specific phobia of confined, tight, enclosed, or crowded spaces. A person with claustrophobia experiences intense fear and anxiety when triggered. This can lead to avoidance of situations that may trigger the fear and have negative effects on quality of life, including avoiding some healthcare procedures. Meaning Claustrophobia is a type of specific phobia. Specific phobias are classified as anxiety disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)....

A cycle of abuse is a four-part pattern that helps identify a pattern of abuse in relationships. The cycle continues because there is a power imbalance in a relationship, meaning that one person has a hold on the other. The concept of abuse cycles began in the 1970s when psychologist Lenore Walker wrote “The Battered Woman.” The book itself detailed women who had experienced abuse and how it continued to occur....

Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a plant native to the Kalahari desert in southern Africa. The plant grows in the savannahs of Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana and is named for the appearance of its fruit, which is covered in hooks that catch onto the fur of animals. The seeds are then distributed as the animals roam. The roots of the devil’s claw plant have been used for centuries by the Khoisan people of southern Africa to treat pain, arthritis, indigestion, and skin conditions....