Posts

What Is Xyrem? Xyrem (sodium oxybate) is an oral prescription drug used to treat cataplexy (muscle weakness) or excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adults and children aged 7 years and older with narcolepsy. Xyrem is in a drug class called central nervous system (CNS) depressants. It works by reducing brain activity. Xyrem is a controlled substance because it contains the ingredient sodium oxybate, which is the salt of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or GHB....

What Is Zaditor? Zaditor (ketotifen) is an ophthalmic solution used to treat the itching and irritation caused by allergic conjunctivitis in people 3 and older. It is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that comes as a solution (a liquid) to instill in the eye. Conjunctivitis itself is the inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva. This is the clear membrane that covers the white part of your eye. Zaditor is an antihistamine eye drop....

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare but serious complication that can develop during or immediately after childbirth. This type of embolism happens when amniotic fluid (the liquid that surrounds a fetus during pregnancy) enters a person’s bloodstream during labor or shortly after delivery. This causes the body to produce an overwhelming allergic-like reaction to the foreign material. An amniotic fluid embolism can cause potentially life-threatening breathing and heart issues, as well as uncontrolled bleeding....

The ascending aorta is the first part of the aorta originating at the left ventricle and leading into the aortic arch. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It is an artery that carries blood directly from the heart and provides circulation for nearly all of the body’s tissues. The ascending aorta is only 5 centimeters (cm) long, but it is a very important segment of the aorta, and it can become dilated or develop an aneurysm....

Treatment for Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) depends on the severity of the disease. In the early stages of HS, lifestyle changes such as losing weight and avoiding deodorants with harsh chemicals, as well as home remedies such as Epsom salt baths, can help prevent flare-ups and prolong the progression of the disease. Maintaining proper hygiene and keeping open sores from becoming infected are also major components of a treatment plan. Topical or oral antibiotics, steroids, and anti-inflammatories may also be prescribed....

Opioids (or opiates) are a class of drugs that are either made from the opium poppy or are artificially synthesized to function like these “natural” opioids. Opioids work by binding to specific protein receptors in the brain and spinal cord, significantly diminishing the pain signals being sent to the brain and dampening the perception of pain. Opioids have long played an important role in medicine as a powerful method of controlling pain....

The pancreas is an organ that’s found behind the stomach. It produces enzymes and hormones that are needed for digestion. The pancreas can become inflamed from illness or injury, which is called pancreatitis. When this inflammation goes on for a long time, it’s called chronic pancreatitis. This article will discuss some of the available treatment options for chronic pancreatitis, including supplements, pain management medications, endoscopy procedures, and surgery. Chronic Pancreatitis Medications Medications may be given to treat chronic pancreatitis....

Clove oil is a natural remedy that’s been used for centuries to treat toothaches. Tooth pain can often be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) topical anesthetics like Orajel or Anbesol but clove oil is another option you might consider. This article will go over what you should know about using clove oil for toothaches. You’ll also learn about the possible side effects and risks of using clove oil. Where Does Clove Oil Come From?...

Dementia is usually gradual and progressive, causing problems with executive function, which can include memory and self-care skills. Some early signs of dementia include cognitive symptoms and changes in behavior, mood, and personality. There are many different neurological disorders that cause dementia. The most common and well recognized is Alzheimer’s disease. This article describes the symptoms, diagnosis, causes, treatment, and prevention of dementia. Dementia Symptoms The symptoms of dementia can be subtle at first....

Diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis may have similar symptoms, but they are different conditions. One of the main differences between diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis is that diverticulitis is a form of diverticular disease, while ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Both conditions can affect the large intestine (the colon and rectum). Diverticulitis occurs when bulges in weakened areas of the lining of the colon (called diverticula) become infected....

Menarche is the first occurrence of menstruation (when a person assigned female at birth has her first period). Researchers know that age, genetic changes, family history, and smoking are some of the risk factors for breast cancer. Early menstruation is now a part of the discussion. This article reviews early menstruation, the age of menarche as a risk factor, known breast cancer risk factors, and lowering risk through early detection....

Hepatitis B vaccines are used to prevent hepatitis B, a viral infection of the liver that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer in some people. Around 850,000 people are estimated to be living with hepatitis B in the United States, 67% of whom do not realize they have been infected. There are three hepatitis B vaccines approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):...

Most Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) nodules occur in the armpits, groin, buttocks, and breast areas. However, HS can appear on the face. HS on the face can be mistaken for several other conditions and sometimes co-occur with them. The exact cause of HS is unknown, but several factors make it worse. While most HS treatments work on the entire body, there are also treatments specifically for hidradenitis suppurativa on the face....

A blood test for female hormones can reveal important information about your health. They can detect fertility problems, where you are in your menstrual cycle, or whether you’re starting perimenopause. Hormone tests also can play a role in diagnosing medical conditions such as thyroid disease or diabetes. In some instances, they can show how well a medication is working. This article looks at the tests done for each sex hormone, when tests are needed, what’s considered normal and abnormal, and what the results could mean....

A definitive diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) requires a biopsy and a microscopic evaluation of the tissue sample. However, if your healthcare provider suspects KS, they may order blood tests or imaging first to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. Next to lung cancer, Kaposi sarcoma is the second most common cancer seen in people living with HIV in the United States. This article walks you through how Kaposi sarcoma is diagnosed and what to expect when undergoing a diagnosis....

Swelling in your ankles can have a variety of different causes, including injury, pregnancy, congestive heart failure, and arthritis. It will cause your ankles to look puffy and feel tight and stiff, which may restrict your ankle motion and ability to fit in your shoes. Luckily, there are several things you can try to help alleviate related symptoms. Some of these strategies may help you minimize or get rid of swollen ankles faster than others:...

Millions of Americans go without health insurance coverage every year. According to U.S. Census data, 28 million people—about 8.6% of the population—had no coverage at any point during 2020. Though this number is down from the 42 million who were uninsured in 2013, before the bulk of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was implemented, it’s still a significant number. And the uninsured rate has increased since 2017, after several years of decreases following the enactment of the ACA in 2010....

A year and a half after the beginning of the pandemic, we are once again seeing surges in COVID-related cases, largely due to the highly contagious Delta variant. Key Takeaways As COVID-19 cases and deaths surge once again, many are experiencing emotional whiplash.To manage your mental health during this time, there are various practices and mind-calming techniques experts recommend.Above all, getting vaccinated is the best way to soothe anxieties about getting sick....

One of a class of drugs called checkpoint inhibitors, Imfinzi (generically known as durvalumab) is used to treat certain forms of lung and biliary tract cancer. Prescribed either as a standalone treatment or alongside other drugs, this drug works by binding and blocking the activity of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) proteins, thereby helping the immune system attack cancer cells. It’s administered using intravenous (IV) injection in the hospital under the care of oncology staff....

Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a mental health disorder that causes a person to experience recurrent aggressive behavioral outbursts that are unwarranted in the given situation. These episodes can involve aggressive, impulsive, and violent behaviors or angry verbal outbursts. Many people are unfamiliar with IED. However, one study found around 7% of the U.S. population may have the disorder. Read on to learn more about IED and how the disorder affects those who have it....