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Pruritus ani (itchy anus) can be caused by a number of factors, including hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids occur when the veins in the anus and lower rectum become enlarged. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external and can cause symptoms such as itching and bleeding. Read on to learn why hemorrhoids cause itching and what to do about it. Why Do Hemorrhoids Itch? Itching usually occurs with external hemorrhoids or internal hemorrhoids that have prolapsed (come down out of the anus)....

Klonopin (clonazepam) is a medication that falls into the drug category of benzodiazepines, which slow down the central nervous system and decrease abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Klonopin has been used to treat people with epilepsy since 1975 and helps treat partial seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and seizures brought on by flashing lights. It may also be used to treat some anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder....

Babesiosis is a rare infectious disease caused by microorganisms called protozoa. There are over 100 species of Babesia and the disease is quite common in animals, including deer, mice, horses, cats, and dogs. Only two species of Babesia are known to infect humans. While the disease has been found worldwide, most documented cases to date have been diagnosed in the Northeastern United States, a few Northwestern states, and throughout Europe....

What Is Biaxin XL? Biaxin XL (clarithromycin) is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections in many different parts of the body, including the lungs and skin. It also is used with other medicines to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). It can also prevent and treat disseminated mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection that affects people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Biaxin XL belongs to the class of medicines called macrolide antibiotics....

Gastrointestinal bleeding, or GI bleeding, can be a common symptom of many different medical conditions. GI bleeding can occur anywhere along the GI tract. Upper GI bleeding, which can occur anywhere from the mouth to the small intestine, occurs in 100–200 per 100,000 people annually (about 330,000–660,000 people every year). Lower GI bleeding, which includes the small intestine to the anus, occurs in 20.5–27 per 100,000 people annually (about 68,000–89,000 people every year)....

Xanax (alprazolam) can cause sexual side effects, including low libido (sex drive) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Xanax is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. It is also sometimes used to treat insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures. Xanax belongs to the benzodiazepine drug class, which works by slowing down central nervous system (CNS) activity. Some of the most common side effects of Xanax include drowsiness, dry mouth, irritability, dizziness, headache, and difficulty concentrating....

Caring for someone with lung cancer can be both difficult and gratifying. As a caregiver, you might oversee your loved one’s physical, emotional, and financial needs, which may include feeding, dressing, arranging schedules, and providing transportation. In some cases, caregiving can be a full-time job. It’s important to remember that caregivers also need to care for themselves. You won’t be equipped to properly support your loved one if you’re burnt out....

Bipolar disorder refers to a group of mental health disorders that cause extreme highs and lows in mood. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMS), 4.4% of adults in the United States experience bipolar disorder at some point in their lives. A person with bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, experiences disruptive mood fluctuations that interfere with their daily functioning in relationships, work, school, and family life. These mood fluctuations usually include both “high highs,” such as mania and hypomania, and “low lows” in the form of depressive episodes....

When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, many people rushed to buy all the disinfectants they could find. But now, it seems, that level of cleaning power may not be necessary for most homes. Key Takeaways The CDC has released detailed guidance on cleaning your home to protect against the spread of COVID-19.A standard household clean with soap or detergent is sufficient in most cases.Disinfectants can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 when someone in your home is sick....

Chiropractic ​care, which includes a combination of spinal manipulation, active and passive exercises, and massage, is often used for headache management and prevention. While chiropractic treatment is popular, there is limited evidence regarding its effectiveness for most headache types, and there are potential adverse outcomes of spinal manipulation. Guidelines regarding the use of chiropractic care for headaches have emerged, with a number of research studies underway. The headache types for which chiropractic therapy is often sought out—cervicogenic headaches, migraines, and tension headaches—each respond differently to chiropractic treatment....

“Rash” is a general term that describes an area of irritated skin. It often causes changes to the color and texture of your skin—for example, it can be red, itchy, bumpy, scaly, warm, and/or painful. It can appear suddenly or develop over several days. A number of different conditions can cause rashes, including allergies and infections; your age and genes may also play a role. A rash on your face is not only uncomfortable but also embarrassing....

Cystic lung diseases develop when sacs filled with liquid or air (cysts) form in the lungs, sometimes causing pain. There are several conditions that fall under the broader category of cystic lung disease, including lymphangioleiomyomatosis (known as LAM), pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH), lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP), and Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome. This article discusses the types of cystic lung disease and treatment options for these diseases. What Causes Pulmonary Cysts? There are several types of lung diseases that cause pulmonary cysts, also known as lung cysts....

A diabetic ulcer is an open sore in which partial or full thickness of the skin is lost in a person who has diabetes. These often occur on the feet in people with diabetes mellitus. They usually are painless because the person has decreased sensation in the feet. The lifetime risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer is between 19% and 34% in those people with diabetes. Unfortunately, recurrence is also common....

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment that involves electrically stimulating the brain. It is used for specific mental health disorders, including severe forms of major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, that do not respond to other treatments like medication and therapy. Read on to learn more about the uses, benefits, and side effects of ECT. Uses for ECT Medication and therapy are first-line treatments for most mental health conditions, but when a disorder or illness does not respond to treatment, a healthcare provider may recommend considering ECT....

As the number of people in the United States who have contracted COVID-19 approaches 30 million, many who recover may be wondering how to ease back into physical activity. Is it safe to exercise? How much is enough and how much is too much? Key Takeaways Experts say a phased and slow approach to resuming exercise after contracting COVID-19 is best.Regaining your pre-COVID-19 fitness level may take time.Slowly introducing walking, weight training, and rib and chest expansion exercises can be helpful in your recovery....

Facet hypertrophy is a common problem that causes the facet joints in your spine to enlarge. New bone growth and bone spurs can also develop as the joint tries to repair the damaged cartilage. The swelling and new growth can narrow the spinal canal and compress nearby nerves, causing pain. This problem does not have a cure. It gets worse over time. The goal of treatment is to manage pain and slow disease progress....

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition associated with a burning, stinging sensation in the eyes, blurred vision, red or irritated eyes, and an uncomfortable feeling as if something is in the eye. Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them well lubricated and healthy. Aging, hormonal changes, allergies, the environment, excessive screen time, and certain medical conditions are all common causes of dry eye....

When food becomes stuck in the esophagus (the food tube), it is called food impaction. One reason food may become impacted is that it is swallowed before it is chewed well. Another cause is when the muscles in the esophagus aren’t working as well as they should, such as from a disease, condition, or injury. What Is Food Impaction? Food impaction is common and is usually very treatable. However, it can be an emergency....

Hand therapy is a type of rehabilitation performed by a specialized occupational or physical therapist for people who have conditions affecting the hands and upper extremities to recover optimal function. It focuses on the area between but also including the shoulder and hand, including joints and muscles. Hand therapy helps people relieve pain and continue to perform daily activities. Patients with different ailments and injuries can benefit from hand therapy. The rehabilitation process is effective for people who, for example, have arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, cerebral palsy, fractures, and a prior stroke....

If you’re working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a good chance that you were not fully prepared to move your entire office and workspace to your house. Spending a few hours properly assessing your workspace and setting up an ergonomic home office may be necessary to keep you happy—and healthy. Having general knowledge about home office ergonomics can help you design the right space for maximum efficiency. Even more, it can help you decrease the risk of developing repetitive strain injuries or any unwanted body pain....