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Have you ever been irritated by an itchy tag, or annoyed by someone chewing loudly? Maybe you’ve been unable to ignore these feelings once you notice them. That gives you a small glimpse into the experience of people with sensory overload, also called a sensory processing disorder. Sensory processing disorder can make it difficult for people to function if they become overwhelmed by senses including touch or hearing. The condition is known to be closely related to autism, but research shows that sensory overload and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can also go hand in hand....

You may have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It can jump-start your metabolism, prevent food cravings, and help you lose weight. If you have diabetes, eating breakfast serves another important role: It can help stabilize your blood sugar. Many people skip breakfast because they don’t have time to prepare a morning meal. Yet cereal can be a great option because it’s quick and easy. It’s also better than eating nothing at all....

The role of gut bacteria in the onset and maintenance of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a compelling topic for scientists. While the research is still limited, probiotic supplements are being studied around the world to see if they have the potential to reduce IBS symptoms. Your large intestine is filled with thousands of strains of bacteria, often referred to as the gut flora. Having a favorable balance in your intestinal microbiome is known to help your body function optimally and stay healthy....

A stroke can cause significant changes in vision. Most of the time, a stroke survivor experiences only one or, possibly, a few of these vision changes, but not all of them. This is because different regions of the brain work together to control vision. So, depending on the size and location of a stroke, it may or may not affect various aspects of vision. Learn more about the types of vision problems a stroke survivor may experience....

Atrial flutter is a cardiac arrhythmia—a condition defined by an abnormal heart rhythm. More specifically, it is an arrhythmia that typically causes tachycardia (a fast heart rate) and palpitations. Atrial flutter is caused by the formation of extremely rapid, abnormal electrical impulses arising in the atria of the heart. Typically, about half of these impulses are transmitted to the ventricles, producing a heart rate that is usually around 150 beats per minute....

Skin cancers can look very different from each other, depending on factors like the type of skin cancer and its stage. Each type of skin cancer has its own signs, symptoms, and risk factors. Most skin cancer begins in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. It occurs when cells in the epidermis grow at an out-of-control rate. These abnormal cells are usually caused by exposure to the sun. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70....

As you sleep, your brain cycles through four stages of sleep. The first three are considered non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, also known as quiet sleep. The fourth is rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, also known as active sleep. In stage 1, you transition from wakefulness to sleep. In stage 2 you enter light sleep. By stage 3 you are in a deep sleep. Stage 4 REM, known as paradoxical sleep, is when the body’s immobilized and dreams occur....

Adaptogens are certain plants and mushrooms that are believed to help your body adapt to stress. They can be purchased as capsules, supplements to add to food or drink, or as tinctures. You can also buy food and drinks that contain adaptogens, such as hot chocolate and coffee. Adaptogens are said to have a variety of health benefits, and are recommended for everything from lowering stress to balancing hormones, improving attention, and boosting the immune system....

A barometric pressure headache is a head pain or discomfort triggered by changes in the weight or force of the air on earth. Experiencing weather conditions, like thunderstorms, or moving at significant levels above sea level, such as mountain climbing or air travel, are potential causes of these headaches. This article provides an overview of the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of barometric pressure headaches. It also reviews when to see a healthcare professional for your headache....

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by distinct high and low mood episodes. Periods of mania, hypomania, and depression in bipolar disorder can significantly affect a person’s level of functioning and quality of life. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a pattern of alcohol use characterized by an inability to control drinking and other behaviors that cause significant impairment. When they occur together, bipolar disorder and alcohol use can exacerbate each other....

Bronchiolitis obliterans is a serious, irreversible lung disease that is often caused by exposure to toxins; it can also develop after a lung or bone marrow transplant. Also known as obliterative bronchiolitis and “popcorn lung,” it causes symptoms similar to those of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, such as coughing and shortness of breath. Diagnostic tests can help distinguish these illnesses from each other. Bronchiolitis obliterans can progress over a few weeks or months....

More and more, scientists have been studying the link between migraine and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, including gluten-related disorders like celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). So far, they’ve found an association between multiple GI disorders and migraine, but how the two may affect each other is still unclear. Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity Celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity are both common disorders. It’s estimated that NCGS affects 0.6 percent to 6 percent of the general world population, while celiac affects an estimated 1....

A Chiari malformation is a rare condition in which brain tissues at the back of the skull protrude into the upper part of the spinal canal. It is mostly caused by a congenital birth defect but can also occur later in life as a result of an injury, infection, or disease. Depending on the extent of tissue displacement, symptoms can range from headaches and poor coordination to hearing loss, seizures, and death....

Struggling with depression, also called major depressive disorder, can take a serious toll on every aspect of your life. If you suspect your mood or behavior changes are related to depression, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you have this mental disorder. While there is no definitive test for depression, your practitioner will use the diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) to assess your symptoms....

Hyperphagia, sometimes called polyphagia, refers to excessive feelings of hunger which are not relieved by eating. People who have diabetes often experience hyperphagia due to problems with insulin. Symptoms While everyone has cravings from time to time, and certainly everyone can feel hungry, the experience of hyperphagia is separate from normal hunger cues. People with diabetic hyperphagia may experience: Feelings of hunger, despite eating regularly or snacking oftenOvereatingIntense food cravingsWeight gainWeight lossFatigueHigh blood sugarLow blood sugarOther symptoms of diabetes, such as excessive thirst and/or frequent urinationDigestive problems such as diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn Diabetic hyperphagia is not the same thing as binge eating....

Elderberry is a dark purple berry that grows on the European or black elder tree, also known as the Sambucus nigra plant. It is a rich source of antioxidants known as anthocyanins and is often used to support the immune system. The ripe berry is tart and typically sweetened, similar to cranberries. One cup of elderberries provides 106 calories, 27 grams (g) of carbohydrates, 10 grams of fiber, 52 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, 2....

Gallbladder disease is any condition affecting the health of the gallbladder (ie., the digestive sac located under your liver). It is most commonly associated with gallstones, which affects some 25 million Americans, about 10%—15% of the adult population. In this article, you’ll learn more about who gets gallbladder disease and why, when to see a healthcare provider, and the benefits of early screening for gallbladder disease. Overview Gallbladder diseases generally include gallbladder inflammation and gallstones....

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as “sleeve gastrectomy,” is a procedure in which a major portion of the stomach is removed to promote rapid weight loss. The procedure is typically performed in a hospital under general anesthesia and the surgery usually takes between 40 and 70 minutes. If you’re thinking about gastric sleeve surgery, it’s always a good idea to understand what happens on the day of the procedure. It can be helpful to know the timeline of what you may experience immediately before, during, and after surgery....

Menorrhagia is the medical term that describes heavy menstrual bleeding. It’s common for some people to experience abnormally heavy bleeding during their periods. It can be related to a variety of health conditions and some medications. Extremely heavy bleeding can make those days challenging to go through your typical day. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can manage the heavy bleeding. This article will discuss the symptoms, causes, complications, and treatment for menorrhagia....

A home birth refers to giving birth to your baby at home. While common in many countries, home birth is relatively rare in the United States, however, it has become more popular in recent years. It’s estimated that about one out of every 62 U.S. births take place at home. Planned home births are usually attended by a certified midwife or certified nurse-midwife. An unplanned home birth occurs when a pregnant woman intends to give birth at a hospital or birth center but cannot make it in time....