Cystic fibrosis–related arthritis (CFRA) is a rare complication of cystic fibrosis (CF), a chronic, progressive genetic disorder that damages the lungs. When it is diagnosed in CF patients, it can be difficult to treat due to the medications they take for CF. There is no standard treatment plan because so little research has been done on CFRA. But there are successful treatments for both CF and arthritis that help manage these conditions....
As the Delta variant surges across the country, the pressure for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to grant Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine full approval is on. Key Takeaways A full FDA approval takes longer than an EUA because more data needs to be processed and reviewed.Healthcare providers would be able to use approved COVID-19 vaccines for off-label use.Booster shots are not yet included in Pfizer or Moderna’s full approval application. Last month, the FDA formally accepted Pfizer and BioNTech’s Biologics License Application (BLA) for their COVID-19 vaccine....
Perhaps you have previously determined whether you are a “night owl” or a “morning lark,” but have you ever considered what type of alarm clock person you are? What does your alarm style, and how you react to it, say about your personality? Can how you wake to reveal features of your sleep? Discover which of the six-alarm clock types best fits you and what it might mean about your sleep....
Unlike other autoimmune diseases, psoriasis can be seen on the skin. For that reason, people make assumptions about it. They may wonder if psoriasis plaques are contagious or affect people who are unclean. Sometimes, they think a person with psoriasis has done something to cause their skin symptoms. None of these is true. These misconceptions—and others—about psoriasis can really take a toll on the people living with the condition and affect their moods, self-confidence, and even their relationships....
You can use natural remedies to restore the pH balance of your vagina after the balance is thrown off. Natural remedies to keep your vagina healthy include: ProbioticsGarlicApple cider vinegarStaying hydratedManaging stressEating less sugarNot douchingWearing cotton underwearUsing barrier protection (like a condom) during penetrative sex The pH in your vagina should be slightly acidic, between 3.8 and 4.5. A lower pH is more acidic. The normal flora or healthy bacteria in the vagina thrive when the pH level is balanced....
After more than 15 months of quarantining and precautions, COVID-19 has left almost 4 million dead worldwide and nearly 180 million infected. The pandemic still rages outside of the U.S. borders, and more infectious variants are spreading within the United States. Still, almost a fifth of the US population have rejected the COVID-19 vaccine and won’t get vaccinated. Key Themes From Our Survey COVID-19 vaccine rejectors are standing firm against getting their doses....
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a progressive form of inflammatory arthritis that may worsen over time without appropriate treatment. AxSpA primarily affects the spine and pelvis but can also affect other joints, tendons, and ligaments. The types of axSpA include non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The progression of axSpA isn’t predictable and varies from person to person. It is essential to learn as much as you can about axSpA progression to keep your healthcare provider apprised of changes as they occur....
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux that occurs when gastric juices back up from the stomach into the esophagus, irritating the cells that line the food pipe. In addition to heartburn, acid reflux can cause you to develop a cough, bad breath, and trouble swallowing. Repeated episodes of heartburn usually signal the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is most often triggered by lifestyle factors, such as laying down after a big meal or eating junk food....
Choosing the best hospital for lung cancer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll face during what is an overwhelming and difficult time—and this applies whether you are newly diagnosed with lung cancer or looking for a second opinion. You might be lucky enough to have a top-ranked cancer hospital within minutes of your home. But more than likely, you will need to investigate the best lung cancer treatment centers in your area and determine whether they suit your needs or if you should travel to a far-off facility for more specialized care....
Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a condition in which the immune cells of a transplanted organ (graft) attack the cells of the person who received the transplant (the host). It can occur after a bone marrow transplant or a stem cell transplant. These procedures treat certain types of diseases and cancer, especially cancer the involves the blood cells. Types of Graft-Versus-Host Disease Graft-versus-host disease can be acute or chronic. These are distinguished based on how long it takes for symptoms to occur after the transplant:...
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both respiratory diseases involving chronic inflammation that leads to airflow obstruction. While they share similar symptoms, their causes and treatments differ. In some cases, asthma and COPD may overlap in what is termed asthma-COPD overlap syndrome, or ACOS. Symptoms Both asthma and COPD may present with these symptoms: Chest tightness Chronic cough Shortness of breath Wheezing However, the frequency and predominating symptoms in asthma and COPD are different....
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how well your body produces, reacts to, and/or uses insulin, a hormone created by the pancreas that regulates the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood. Some people experience headaches as a symptom of diabetes when their blood sugar is too high or too low. You can also experience headaches due to common diabetes complications, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea....
Shingles can cause painful symptoms. This article will discuss the early signs of shingles, their treatment, and when to call your healthcare provider. What Is Shingles? Shingles is a viral infection most commonly seen in people age 50 or over. It causes a rash and neuralgia (nerve pain). Although it’s not contagious, it can cause chicken pox in someone who has never had chicken pox or the varicella vaccine. VZV is spread by airborne droplets or direct contact with the zoster lesions (rash area)....
Existential therapy is a type of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, in which a person is encouraged to use their free will to create a life of meaning or to find meaning in their current life. It’s based on existential theory, which states that because life is meaningless, people are free to create their own. Existential therapy encourages being authentic and creative, seeking love, and taking responsibility for your life and relationships....
If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), your healthcare provider may recommend an anti-inflammatory diet, which is very similar to a Mediterranean diet. It emphasizes vegetables, fish, legumes, fruits, and olive oil to help fight inflammation, which can help relieve joint pain. Some studies suggest intermittent fasting, which involves restricting food intake for specific periods, may improve joint pain and other RA symptoms. However, it isn’t right for everyone. This article will explore the latest research surrounding intermittent fasting for rheumatoid arthritis and provide general nutrition advice to help you manage your condition....
Herpes is a common viral infection that can cause sores in the mouth or genitals. It is caused by two different but similar viruses known as herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). “Genital herpes” refers to herpes that affects the anus, scrotum, vagina, penis, vulva, cervix, buttocks, and inner thighs. “Oral herpes” refers to herpes that affects the throat, mouth, and lips. This article will discuss anal herpes, including its symptoms, causes, when to see a healthcare provider, diagnosis, and treatment....
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar (glucose) levels that occur during pregnancy. It affects about 10% of pregnancies in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association. The good news is that gestational diabetes is treatable. Food can directly affect blood sugar levels. Because of this, a healthy, balanced diet can help control blood sugar levels and manage gestational diabetes. Learn more about what you can eat to empower yourself to have a safe and healthy pregnancy....
People with Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) often experience painful and swollen lesions in the armpit, groin, anal, abdominal folds, or breast areas. These lesions or areas of inflammation can turn into cysts or boils filled with pus that can leak or seep. When these cysts or boils erupt, there may be a noticeable odor. The pus smell comes from the bacteria that have been trapped under the skin inside the boil. These bacteria, called anaerobic bacteria, live without oxygen and can thrive under the skin before they erupt....
If you’ve been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), it’s time to start exploring treatment options. You’ve got a lot of them, everything from disease-modifying therapies and drugs that help manage symptoms to rehabilitation strategies and lifestyle changes that will help you live better. There is no cure for MS—yet—but you can live well with this disease. A big part of that is working with your healthcare provider to find the treatment regimen that’s best for you....
An omphalocele is a congenital defect (occurs at birth) that happens as a result of an abnormality in fetal development. It involves an opening in the muscles of the abdomen (located at the site where the umbilical cord is). This anomalous opening allows for the baby’s organs to protrude through the muscle wall so that the organs are on the outside of the body. The organs are covered by a clear layer of mucous membranes, which serves to help protect them....
