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Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness, with more than 50 million people in the United States experiencing allergies yearly. An allergic reaction can occur when your immune system responds to something you have eaten, touched, inhaled, or injected. There are many types of allergens and reactions to allergens, depending on the individual. Allergies may peak during certain seasons of the year, too. For example, people with environmental allergies may experience more symptoms in the fall and spring when trees, grass, and pollen are more potent throughout the air....

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is based on a history of symptoms of mania and depression, a medical history, and consideration of other conditions that could be causing the symptoms. This mood disorder is defined by diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the guide that mental health professionals use. The diagnosis of this mood disorder can take several years as you begin to recognize a pattern of episodes of depression and mania over time....

Bryonia (B. alba), also known as bryony, is a plant commonly used as a homeopathic remedy for headaches, muscle pain, cold or flu symptoms, coughs, nausea, and constipation. It’s also sometimes used to provide relief for the symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis, cancer, liver disease, and metabolic disorders. The Bryonia plant is in the gourd family. Native to Northern and Eastern Europe, this perennial climbing vine has white flowers, red berries, and a thick, fleshy root with a strong, bitter odor....

Calcium is an essential and abundant mineral in your body. It mainly is found in your bones and teeth and keeps these structures strong. Calcium also helps your muscles, nerves, and blood vessels function properly. However, when calcium builds up in soft tissues, where it isn’t supposed to be, it leads to calcification or calcium deposits. This causes the affected soft tissues to harden, which can interfere with their function....

One of the frustrating things about a urinary tract infection (UTI) is the way it interferes with sex. It is one thing when it happens every once in a while; it’s another when it becomes an ongoing, chronic condition. A UTI can affect anyone and involve either the lower urinary tract (comprised of the bladder and urethra), the upper urinary tract (the kidneys and ureters), or both. Women are more prone to getting UTIs than men—up to 30 times more likely, in fact—with lower tract infections accounting for the majority of sexual difficulties....

Having diabetes may raise your risk of cancer. Having both diabetes and cancer can complicate treatment for these conditions. Diabetes is marked by elevated blood sugar levels, and cancer treatment can also affect blood sugar. Adjusting your diabetes medication (including insulin) and food intake may be needed. This article discusses the connection between diabetes and cancer, including how diabetes affects cancer risk and how to treat and manage the two conditions effectively at the same time....

Under IRS guidance related to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), there was a several-year stretch when employers were not allowed to directly reimburse employees for the cost of individual market health insurance. This was true for both small and large groups, and employers faced steep fines for noncompliance. But the 21st Century Cures Act opened the door for small employers to start reimbursing employees for individual market health insurance premiums as of 2017....

Acute bronchitis, also called a chest cold, is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air into your lungs. It is usually caused by a virus, but it can sometimes be caused by bacteria. Acute bronchitis generally gets better on its own without antibiotics, so treatment involves resting while managing symptoms for about three weeks. While over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help with bronchitis symptoms like coughing and congestion, some people are seeking natural alternatives to help with their symptoms, such as essential oils....

Syphilis is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. The infection goes through four stages, and symptoms vary by stage. In most cases, the first sign of syphilis is the development of sores in the affected area. This article discusses the signs and symptoms of syphilis infection and how it is diagnosed and treated. First Signs of Syphilis Symptoms of syphilis are present during the first two stages of infection, known as the primary and secondary stages....

The annual influenza vaccine, often called the “flu shot,” protects against the influenza viruses you’re most likely to be exposed to every flu season. With few exceptions, it’s safe and effective for most people ages 6 months and older. The ingredients of the flu vaccine change each year, depending on the flu virus strains that are expected to be circulating and getting people sick. Reading about flu shot ingredients can be confusing....

What Is Gattex? Gattex (teduglutide) is a medicine given by injection to treat a condition called short bowel syndrome (SBS) in adults and children aged 1 year and older. It is used in people who require parenteral support, which involves receiving nutrients via an intravenous infusion of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Gattex is very similar to a protein that occurs naturally in your body called human glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2). This substance is released by your intestine when it detects nutrients and slows gastric emptying....

Gender stereotypes are preconceived, usually generalized views about how members of a certain gender do or should behave, or which traits they do or should have. They are meant to reinforce gender norms, typically in a binary way (masculine vs. feminine). Gender stereotypes have far-reaching effects on all genders. Read on to learn about how gender stereotypes develop, the effects of gender stereotypes, and how harmful gender stereotypes can be changed....

Over the past few decades, modern medicine has made major strides in treating all forms of heart disease, and people who have heart disease today are living much longer, much happier lives than similar people did in previous generations. But enjoying the very best outcomes if you have heart disease depends on more than just what your healthcare providers do for you. To a very large extent, it depends on what you do for yourself....

Having red stool (poop) may not be a cause for concern. It may occur just because you’ve had red or orange foods. But if you can’t trace it back to something you’ve eaten, don’t ignore this sign. See your healthcare provider if you’re wondering why your poop is red because red-colored stool may be caused by gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be related to a serious medical issue. The medical term for visible blood in the stool is hematochezia....

You’ve finally reached your breaking point. After another night spent tossing and turning, a morning where you struggle to get out of bed, and a day fighting sleepiness and fatigue, you are committed to trying to sleep better and fixing your insomnia. This can be a significant and life-changing goal, and it can also be a little intimidating without a plan. Where should you even begin? Fortunately, there are a series of specific changes you can make that will help you to sleep better....

Flu symptoms can vary from person to person, but most people with influenza will experience some degree of fever, chills, headaches, body aches, congestion, coughing, and fatigue. While the symptoms are similar to a cold or upper respiratory tract infection, the main difference is that flu symptoms hit you quickly. With the flu, you typically go from feeling fine to miserable in a matter of hours. If you think you might have the flu, contact your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action and treatment for you....

Liver cancer (also called hepatocellular carcinoma) occurs when abnormal cells in the liver begin to grow uncontrollably. Generally speaking, the diagnosis of liver cancer involves the following steps—a physical examination, blood tests, imaging and sometimes a biopsy. Depending on whether or not you have been previously diagnosed with chronic liver disease and/or cirrhosis, which is when the liver irreversibly scars as a result of chronic liver disease, your healthcare provider may proceed a bit differently with diagnosing liver cancer....

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that blocks messages sent from the brain to the body. It can cause symptoms such as difficulty with movement, vision, and thinking. MS is a chronic, debilitating illness, so those with the disease need to find health insurance coverage regardless of income. This article covers the types of insurance available for people with MS, financial assistance for MS patients, and what to consider when choosing a health insurance plan if you have MS....

Treating schizophrenia typically involves using a combination of antipsychotic medications—the first-line treatment for this mental disorder—and psychotherapy. Research has shown that 75% of those who took antipsychotics showed a marked to moderate degree of improvement after six weeks compared with those who took a placebo. Recovery while living with schizophrenia is often seen over time and involves a variety of factors, including self-learning, peer support, school and work, and finding the right treatment....

If you menstruate, you may have noticed that your cycle can affect your mood. At certain times during the cycle, you may have heightened depressive or anxious feelings, or feel more easily irritable, tired, and moody. Key Takeaways Research has shown that there is a relationship between the fluctuating hormone levels of the menstrual cycle and a person’s mood.New research suggests that people with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may notice variations in their symptoms depending on where they are in their menstrual cycle....