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Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin rash that affects up to 20% of people during their lifetime. Symptoms include itchiness, burning, redness, and raised bumps, and they’re generally quite uncomfortable. Hives can develop anywhere on the body. Hives on the stomach occur for many reasons, but most often are due to an allergic reaction. Other causes may include insect bites and stress. This article discusses hives on the abdomen, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options....

We know a lot about the impacts of extreme heat on physical health. For example, on summer’s hottest days we are advised to be on the lookout for heatstroke warning signs. Key Takeaways A recent study found that extreme heat was linked to higher rates of mental health-related emergency room visits in the U.S.Heat may exacerbate mental health symptoms in many ways.Experts say we need to both prepare for climate change-related emergencies, which are already happening, as well as push for systemic changes that will decrease or slow down their harmful impacts....

Although as many as one in six women and one in four men in the United States may have overactive bladder (OAB), it can be a difficult condition to diagnose. As a disorder characterized by the sudden and frequent urge to urinate, OAB is diagnosed mainly by its signs and symptoms but only after other likely causes have been excluded. Because the symptoms of OAB mimic those of other urological conditions, patience may be needed while multiple tests and procedures are performed....

Low blood sugar (glucose) levels, called hypoglycemia, can cause fatigue or even fainting. Hypoglycemia is more common for individuals with diabetes and may result from too much medication, not eating enough, or overexercising. The opposite effect, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), happens during times of stress or poorly-controlled diabetes. If left untreated, hyperglycemia damages organs throughout the body. Blood sugar is regulated by the pancreas, a long gland in the abdomen....

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by instability in moods, self-image, and behavior. People with BPD may have unstable relationships; intense episodes of anger, anxiety, or depression; and impulsive, even self-harming, actions. The symptoms of borderline personality disorder typically begin in a person’s adolescent years, and the condition is more common in females. BPD affects 1.4% of the U.S. population. You are more likely to develop BPD if a member of your family has the condition, and your risk increases depending on how closely related you are to the person with BPD....

Unexplained itchy skin at night can disrupt even the deepest sleepers. But rest assured, nighttime itching, or nocturnal pruritus, is a common concern and can often be managed with home remedies or over-the-counter medications. While there’s no singular cause, triggers for nocturnal pruritus can range from the body’s natural circadian rhythm, existing skin conditions, lifestyle, environmental factors, or a more serious underlying disease. This article will identify common causes of nocturnal pruritus, home remedies, medical treatments, and prevention methods....

Kyleena is an intrauterine device (IUD)—a reversible form of long-term birth control. By slowly releasing hormones into the uterus, the Kyleena IUD prevents 98.6% of pregnancies for five years after it’s placed. This article will go over what you should know before getting the Kyleena IUD. It explains what the IUD is (and is not) used for, Kyleena’s side effects and risks, and how the Kyleena IUD compares to other IUDs....

Despite what some may say, the FDA never “approved” leeches as medical treatment. Instead, in 2004, the feds told a French firm that they didn’t need FDA approval to sell medicinal leeches as a medical device in the United States. According to the FDA, leeches are similar to devices (presumably leeches) sold before May 28, 1976–the date the Medical Device Amendments was enacted. Thus, no federal approval for leeches is needed....

The lingual nerve branches off from the mandibular (jaw) division of the trigeminal nerve. It supplies feeling to the floor of your mouth and the front two-thirds of the tongue. Additionally, it carries specialized fibers that allow taste signals to be sent between the tongue and the brain. Injury to the lingual nerve is most often caused by oral surgery or dental procedures, which can result in considerable pain and other problems....

What Is Lomaira? Lomaira (phentermine) is an orally administered prescription medication used to expedite the treatment of obesity in people 16 and older with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 or equal to or greater than 27 with at least one weight-related medical condition such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes mellitus, or high cholesterol. Lomaira should be used alongside a strict diet and exercise regimen. Additionally, Lomaira is used as a short-term treatment, typically for three to six weeks....

Nearly all U.S. adults over the age of 65 have some mental health coverage through Medicare. But a recent Commonwealth Fund survey shows that it’s not enough. Key Takeaways A survey shows that although adults aged 65 and over are guaranteed mental health care coverage through Medicare, that coverage isn’t always adequate.Compared to 10 other countries, older U.S. adults were the most likely to report being diagnosed with a mental health condition, yet skip treatment due to cost....

Omicron is now the dominant COVID-19 variant in the United States, comprising an estimated 73% of cases, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). UPDATE On December 28, the CDC significantly revised its estimate of the number of Omicron-driven COVID-19 infections in the United States. While it is still the dominant variant in the U.S, during the week ending on December 18, the CDC says it accounted for only 22....

Optometrists and ophthalmologists are eye specialists, but they have different levels of training and areas of expertise. Depending on your overall eye health or the type of problem with your vision, you may need to seek care specifically provided by each of these different eye professionals. An optician often is informally called an “eye doctor” as well, but they are typically technicians. A licensed optician will help you to choose eyewear and ensure it’s the right product and prescription....

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) describes a collection of physical, emotional, cognitive (thinking-related), and behavioral symptoms that persist for several weeks to months after sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury (concussion). Symptoms of PCS are highly variable and can negatively affect how a person feels and functions in their everyday life. The diagnosis of PCS is often tricky and should be made by an experienced healthcare professional. Once diagnosed, treatment is focused on managing symptoms....

Germs that require a moist environment to survive can cause swimmer’s ear. So if your ears are dry the germs cannot grow. Swimmer’s ear is an outer ear infection that develops when contaminated water sits in the ear for a prolonged period of time. It’s a common infection that can be very painful, but it can be prevented. Around 10% of people will experience swimmer’s ear at some point during their life, but research shows that appropriate treatment and management is effective and can help avoid potential complications....

Red eyes are one of those things that many people experience from time to time. This can be uncomfortable and you may want to get rid of the bloodshot look as soon as possible. First, you need to figure out what may be causing the normally white part of your eye, the sclera, to appear red. Such red eyes can be from conditions that vary from conjunctivitis (pink eye) to things such as dry eye or a burst blood vessel....

Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is a clinical syndrome in which the kidneys are unable to get rid of enough acid, retain enough base, or both. Renal tubular acidosis can be divided into different subtypes, each with its own characteristics. It is often discovered with blood testing, and early diagnosis can help healthcare providers prevent complications from prolonged kidney dysfunction. RTA and the Kidneys The kidneys are critical in maintaining the balance of acid and base in the body....

Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) is a probiotic yeast that is a variety of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (also known as baker’s yeast or brewer’s yeast). It has been isolated from lychee and mangosteen fruit. The probiotic activity of S. boulardii ranges from improving gut barrier function, eradicating pathogens, producing antimicrobial peptides, stimulating the immune system, and inhibiting inflammation. Specifically, S. boulardii is used for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal tract disorders including diarrhea symptoms....

If you love to eat, a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes means you’ll need to rethink what foods you ingest in order to keep your blood sugar, or glucose, at safe and healthy levels. If you’re overweight, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, you may also need to reduce the number of calories you eat to aid in weight loss. The good news is losing excess pounds, along with making other lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise, may help control your glucose so you don’t need to take medication....

Stage 3 breast cancer is considered to be advanced breast cancer, however, it is not metastatic. This means that cancer has not spread from the breast to other organs or distant sites in the body. In stage 3, the tumor often has reached a certain size and has spread to a number of lymph nodes above or below the clavicle (bone connecting the breastplate to the shoulder) or near the breastbone....