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Treatment for oral thrush in adults, as well as children, often begins with simple home remedies to treat mild cases of this type of yeast infection. They can ease the symptoms of itching and burning, which also may be improved by keeping your mouth clean. Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, may go away with simple steps such as consuming beverages, eating active-culture yogurt, or taking probiotic pills, If it persists, you can treat oral thrush with prescription antifungal lozenges and mouthwashes....

Transgender people are people who feel that their gender identity is different from the gender associated with their assigned sex at birth (ASAB). When a transgender person chooses to undergo a process to align with their desired gender, this is called gender transitioning. There are many ways to do this. An individual may go through social transition by changing their name and pronouns or medical transition by changing their body through hormone therapy or surgery....

UPDATE: On October 23, Johnson & Johnson announced it would resume its Phase 3 clinical trial in the U.S. Key Takeaways Johnson & Johnson has paused clinical trials of its COVID-19 vaccines as a result of an undisclosed illness in one of the participants. Serious adverse events (SAEs) are not uncommon. They are expected during vaccine trials.Johnson & Johnson is the second company that has paused its vaccine trials during Phase 3....

A new study by Oxford University shows that the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Oxford and AstraZeneca could reduce the number of infected individuals in the population. That, in turn, could slow the spread of the virus. The study is still under review and more research is needed, but the initial findings are creating a buzz. Key Takeaways The Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine might do more than protect people from getting the virus....

While it’s rare to have cervical cancer when you’re pregnant, it can happen in some people. Research shows that cervical cancer is the most commonly diagnosed gynecological cancer during pregnancy. Between 1% and 3% of patients with cervical cancer are pregnant or postpartum at the time of diagnosis. Cervical cancer can impact a person’s pregnancy, future fertility, and postpartum care. Your treatment options and outlook will depend on the type of cervical cancer you have, the size of your tumor, and how far along you are in your pregnancy....

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered a disease of smokers and former smokers, but experts estimate that approximately 25% of those who develop the disease have never smoked. Risk factors for nonsmokers include exposure to toxins (secondhand smoke and others), genetic predisposition, and respiratory infections. And while COPD is typically less severe in nonsmokers than in smokers, the condition can still cause shortness of breath and coughing, which are generally more noticeable with physical exertion....

Mothers with diabetes are encouraged to breastfeed their babies whenever possible. Though it offers many benefits for both the baby and mother, diabetes can make breastfeeding more difficult by affecting milk supply and blood sugar levels. This article will explore the benefits and potential challenges of breastfeeding if you have type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes. Benefits for Mom Mothers who breastfeed reap many health benefits, including a decreased risk for certain cancers and health conditions, weight loss, and quicker recovery after delivery....

Many people do not experience issues after gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy), but that’s not the case for everyone. Digestive issues or other complications may begin just after surgery. And sometimes, problems after gallbladder removal can occur even years later. Typically, symptoms can include nausea, abdominal pain after eating, and diarrhea. Symptoms after gallbladder removal are collectively known as postcholecystectomy syndrome. They are caused by the changes in how bile once stored in the gallbladder now moves through the body....

Sadia Zapp knew she was at an elevated risk for breast cancer. As managing director for communications at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Zapp is privy to the parts of her family and personal history that predisposed her to breast cancer—she got her period young, gave birth after the age of 30, and had an aunt who died of the condition. Key Takeaways Genetic testing can alert providers to variants, or mutations, that may increase a patient’s risk of breast cancer....

Herpes infections are common in the sexually active population, and pregnancy with herpes is also common. Most of the time, herpes during pregnancy does not cause complications. However, on rare occasions it can cause serious problems for the fetus. Problems are most likely with a new herpes infection during pregnancy. This article will discuss the effects herpes has on fertility, how it can affect gestation and delivery, and concerns after delivery....

A pulmonary embolism (PE) results from a blood clot lodged in the lungs. This clot usually originates from breaking off another clot elsewhere in the body, typically the legs. With rapid treatment, most people affected by pulmonary embolism can recover. However, a pulmonary embolism is considered a life-threatening emergency because the clot blocks blood flow into the lungs, causing pressure on the heart’s right ventricle (chamber), eventually leading to excessive heart strain and death....

Menopause can be a challenging time for some couples. Knowing how to support your partner through menopause can make it easier for you both. That said, few people instinctively know what to do or say or how to help. A good place to start is learning about menopause and its physical and emotional symptoms. This can help you better understand your partner’s experience and anticipate their mood. You’ll also benefit from fine-tuning your relationship skills and improving communication....

Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate metabolism and blood sugar. People with diabetes often need to take insulin injections to stay healthy. That’s because people with type 1 diabetes don’t make insulin, and people with type 2 diabetes don’t respond properly to the insulin their bodies produce. To help manage diabetes, your healthcare provider will likely provide you with an insulin dosage chart or regimen. This article discusses how insulin dose is calculated, the types of insulin, and how much insulin to take throughout the day....

Cellulitis is not contagious, but it can affect anyone. Certain skin injuries (cuts, burns, piercings, insect bites) and skin conditions, such as shingles (a viral skin condition), eczema (an allergic skin condition), or athlete’s foot (a fungal skin infection), allow bacteria to enter the skin, thus increasing your risk of developing cellulitis. Many people develop cellulitis when bacteria enter the skin through lacerations (deep cuts or tears in the skin) or surgical wounds....

The kidneys are the body’s filtration system. These fist-sized, bean-shaped organs manage the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance, filter blood, remove waste, and regulate hormones. They produce urine to carry the wastes out of the body. Anatomy Each person has two kidneys. The kidneys are located on either side of the spine, with the top of each kidney beginning around the 11th or 12th rib space. The kidneys are sandwiched between the diaphragm and the intestines, closer to the back side of the abdomen....

Our sense of smell is a complex and nuanced biological process. According to two large international studies conducted by Alexander Wieck Fjaeldstad, MD, a researcher and professor at Aarhus University in Denmark, losing your sense of smell is also one of the most reliable indicators of a COVID-19 infection. Key Takeaways The body’s smell receptors are the first line of defense against airborne viruses. In people with COVID-19, smell loss is common....

Marriage counseling is couples counseling between a licensed mental health provider and married partners. Couples counseling involves working on relationship issues through discussion, advice, and guidance in a supportive environment with a qualified third party. It works by focusing on specific problems and using different approaches to address those problems. The mental health challenges of one or both partners can be addressed in marriage counseling. Counseling has been shown effective in increasing relationship satisfaction, which is an important measure of mental health....

Anti-inflammatory medications are a cornerstone of treatment for mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). But dietary choices are also important. Eating foods that suppress inflammation may help prevent MCTD flare-ups. This article looks at why diet is important to those with mixed connective tissue disease, the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet, how the diet works, possible risks, what to eat, and what to avoid. Why Diet Matters MCTD is an autoimmune disorder, a disease in which your immune system attacks healthy cells....

Nasal polyps are benign growths that occur in the nasal and sinus passageways. Given that COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, it is logical to wonder what the implications of nasal polyps might be as a risk factor or exacerbating feature in people infected with COVID-19. You may wonder whether a condition that can cause chronic congestion and narrowed nasal and sinus passageways might make the breathing problems associated with COVID-19 worse....

While it’s clear that COVID-19 is a respiratory infection, the virus can also affect the cardiovascular system and cause serious heart problems. Key Takeaways Although COVID-19 is a respiratory infection, it can cause serious heart problems, too.The American College of Cardiology (ACC) recently released a report about the evaluation and management of COVID-19-related heart issues.Those who experience cardiac symptoms after recovering from COVID-19 are recommended to consult their healthcare provider and/or get a cardiac evaluation before doing physical activity....