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Kineret (anakinra) is a biologic therapy used to treat certain inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is given as an injection into the fatty layer beneath the skin. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Kineret for use in 2001. Uses Kineret blocks the effects of the immune signaling molecule (cytokine) known as IL-1. By reducing the effects of IL-1, Kineret tamps down inflammation. Currently, Kineret is FDA-approved for adults with RA....

Choosing healthy foods for a low-cholesterol breakfast may be a challenge at first. If your go-to breakfasts include bagels and cream cheese or bacon and eggs, for example, you’ll need to make some substitutions to make them suitable for a cholesterol-lowering diet. Starting your day with a healthy, filling breakfast can help keep your cholesterol levels within a healthy range. It can also prevent cravings for unhealthy foods later in the day....

To put a spotlight on endometriosis, seven leaders in women’s health have create the Alliance for Endometriosis, a coalition of organizations that aim to amplify the voices of the women diagnosed with the disease. Key Takeaways Endometriosis is a chronic gynecologic disease with a far-reaching impact on quality of life. Several women’s health advocates created the Alliance for Endometriosis to increase awareness of the disease and provide resources to those who suffer from it....

Peyronie’s disease is a condition where the penis becomes curved due to the buildup of fibrous scar tissue. Historically, surgery has been the most effective form of treatment for Peyronie’s disease. Surgical options include everything from shortening the longer side of the penis (plication), to insertion of erectile prostheses (penile implants), to the removal of lesions (excision/incision and grafting). However, early in 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new medication known as Xiaflex as a non-surgical option....

The portal vein is the main blood vessel that delivers blood to the liver from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the stomach, intestines, spleen, and pancreas. This blood contains all the products absorbed by the GI tract. Some are filtered by the liver and discarded as waste, and others are broken down for use in the body. Congenital portal vein defects may require surgical correction. The portal vein is also vulnerable to diseases like cirrhosis, which can change the structure of the vessel and reduce the flow of blood into the liver....

If you have prediabetes, losing weight can help prevent type 2 diabetes. If you’ve never dieted before, you might find it easier to follow a program like Weight Watchers, which was rebranded as WW in 2018. WW is a well-known weight-management program. It is recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a diabetes prevention program. It also offers a dedicated curriculum for managing prediabetes, the Weight Watchers Diabetes Prevention Plan (PDD)....

Scabies is a skin condition that can affect anyone in crowded spaces like hospitals, care facilities, and daycare centers. Scabies is caused by mites called Sarcoptes scabiei (which are not the same as mange, the mites that pets can catch), and is not related to cleanliness. As mites burrow into the skin, the skin reacts with bumps. On lighter skin, scabies lesions can appear pink or red. On darker skin, scabies can appear differently....

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) surgery involves the reduction or removal of a blockage in a patient’s upper airway (nose, tongue, or throat) that is resulting in brief stops in breathing during sleep. There are several procedure options, all of which are generally considered when continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or an oral appliance can’t be tolerated or their effects need to be improved or enhanced. OSA is a serious medical condition that can result not only in daytime fatigue, but chronic health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and more....

A stiff neck is usually caused by a muscle strain or conditions that affect the joints in your spine, such as osteoarthritis or a facet joint injury. Muscle strains in the neck typically occur after a specific event, such as lifting a heavy object or sleeping in an awkward position. Stiffness from arthritis has a more gradual onset and often gets worse over time. Less commonly, a stiff neck can occur from infections in your spinal cord and brain....

Diabetes (also called diabetes mellitus) is a group of conditions that cause the body to be less efficient in managing levels of blood glucose (sugar). People with diabetes are at risk of having high blood glucose. Having high blood glucose levels can harm blood vessels over time. A damaged blood vessel in the brain may become blocked or break, which causes a stroke. A stroke is an emergency condition that can lead to brain damage and death....

Although it may be uncomfortable, it is important to look at your stool after going to the bathroom. The stool can tell you a lot about what is going on inside your body. Stool can have various characteristics, from hard and lumpy to mushy or watery. What does it mean when the stool is thin? This article discusses the symptom of thin stool and its potential causes. It also discusses when to seek medical advice for this symptom....

Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. It is estimated that over 50 million Americans are affected by some type of allergy. This condition causes the immune system to react or overreact to a foreign substance called an allergen. Many foreign substances can trigger an allergic reaction, ranging from foods, medications, pets, and airborne particles inhaled through the lungs. Depending on the allergy type and the severity of the reaction, the symptoms can vary from mild (coughing, itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, sneezing, hives, and a runny nose) to severe and at times life-threatening (triggering an asthma attack, trouble breathing, low blood pressure and even death)....

The cranium is part of the skull anatomy. The entire skull is made up of 22 bones, eight of which are cranial bones. The two main parts of the cranium are the cranial roof and the cranial base. Connected to the cranial bones are facial bones that give structure to the face and a place for the facial muscles to attach. Together, the cranial and facial bones make up the complete skull....

Arthritis is inflammation in a joint that causes pain or stiffness. It is an umbrella term used to describe multiple conditions, including osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis. They all affect a joint or the tissues around the joint. The amount of inflammation you have is affected by many factors, such as diet, activity level, hydration, illness, smoking, and alcohol intake. Diets high in fat, sugar, refined grains, and salt have been associated with increased inflammation....

Atrial fibrillation is a common abnormal type of heart rhythm that is considered one of the leading potential risk factors for stroke. If you have atrial fibrillation, preventative treatment can substantially reduce your chances of having a stroke, so it is important to know whether you have this condition. Atrial fibrillation is a recurrent, rapid, irregular heart contraction of the heart’s atria, which are the upper chambers of the heart. Most people who have atrial fibrillation develop it during adulthood....

This fall, despite the surge of infections brought on by the Delta variant, Sofia Goetz is back in the classroom. Now, her school day consists of endless pumps of hand sanitizer, distributing masks among forgetful students, and reminding classmates to social distance and keep from hugging. Key Takeaways Navigating in-person learning this fall is taking a toll on Latinx teachers’ mental health. The CDC reports that the Latinx community is experiencing disproportionately high levels of depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts related to COVID-19....

What Is Anoro Ellipta? Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium and vilanterol) is a prescription inhalation powder drug used as a long-term maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It combines two active medicines into one inhaler: an anticholinergic (umeclidinium) and a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA) (vilanterol). Anticholinergics like umeclidinium block the action of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine, which is responsible for communication between the nerves, muscles, and organs in your body....

A bronchoprovocation challenge, also known as bronchoprovocation testing, is an in-office test used to diagnose asthma. It involves inhaling either aerosolized chemicals or cold air, or performing exercises, to see if it induces asthma symptoms. By measuring your lung function after exposure to these triggers, your healthcare provider may be able to determine if you have asthma. Purpose of Test A bronchoprovocation challenge is commonly ordered if pulmonary function tests (PFTs) fail to provide definitive evidence of asthma....

Cardioversion is a technique used to treat several kinds of abnormal heart rhythm, called cardiac arrhythmias. Typically, it can be done using medication or, as is the case when someone uses a defibrillator, electricity. Which method is used would depend on your specific rhythm problem and your overall health and stability. When someone needs cardioversion, they are often in a life-threatening situation. Both electricity and drugs may be used together to try to restore normal heart function....

Cannabidiol (CBD) has soared in popularity in recent years thanks to its numerous health benefits. Derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, CBD oil is a powerful therapeutic remedy used to regulate body functions and alleviate symptoms of various health conditions. CBD oil may support thyroid health, play a role in thyroid hormone regulation, and help manage symptoms associated with thyroid disorders. This article will review the potential benefits of CBD oil for thyroid health, side effects, how to use CBD oil, and what to look for when choosing CBD products....