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Wheezing happens when the breathing tubes in the lungs are narrowed. You can hear a whistling sound when you breathe. An asthma attack is a common cause of wheezing. Other causes include respiratory infections like influenza (flu) or pneumonia, bronchitis (inflammation of the airways), allergic reactions, and smoking. Wheezing requires medical attention if it is severe or also includes difficulty breathing. This article covers the symptoms and causes of wheezing, medications that can cause wheezing, its treatment and diagnosis, complications of wheezing, and when to get medical care for wheezing....

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a flowering perennial that grows in North America, Asia, and Europe. It has a rich history as one of the oldest plants used medicinally, with reports of its use dating back 3000 years. In test tube studies, yarrow’s active ingredients have been shown to work as antibiotics, antioxidants, anti-proliferatives (slowing cell growth), and more. These properties make yarrow a supplement of interest for almost everything from multiple sclerosis to cancer....

In April, with the rapid spread of COVID-19, countries across the world went into lockdown. During the first days of shutdown orders, people turned their attention online. Pre-pandemic internet usage was already high, but with nowhere to go, the internet became users’ strongest tie to the outside world. Key Takeaways Reports of online abuse toward women rose during the COVID-19 pandemic.In order to protect yourself, report the abuse and user to social media platforms, and if necessary, law enforcement....

White blood cells are the powerhouse of the immune system. There are several types of white blood cells, and each does a particular job. One type of white blood cells is called granulocytes. This group of white blood cells—which includes neutrophils that fight bacterial infections, eosinophils that fight parasitic infections, and basophils that respond to allergens—releases tiny particles filled with enzymes during infections, allergic reactions, and asthma. For most of us, the number of white blood cells like granulocytes that circulate in the body increase when you are fighting an infection....

You’re outside enjoying nature or snuggling with your favorite pet when it hits: itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and a stuffy nose. All of these are symptoms of allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. About 30% of American adults and 40% of kids have allergy symptoms, such as a nose allergy, with sneezing and stuffiness. This article will explain allergic rhinitis symptoms and causes and ways to treat it. What Is Allergic Rhinitis?...

Research shows up to 86% of people who menstruate use tampons. Still, many people haven’t heard that scented tampons may contain unnecessary chemicals. There are also safety concerns about repeated internal exposure to some compounds found in both scented and unscented tampons. Scented products may irritate and disrupt the natural, healthy environment of the vagina. And despite being considered medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is little testing or regulation around tampon manufacturing....

Bone marrow is a fatty substance found in the center of bones that helps produce new blood cells. Bone marrow edema, also referred to as a bone marrow lesion, is a condition where the normal fatty bone marrow is replaced with a watery material when there is damage to normal bone structure. This abnormal watery material within the bone marrow results from the leakage of fluid and blood into the bone due to damage to the walls of surrounding capillaries and changes in blood flow to and from the bone marrow....

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In most cases, people with COVID-19 experience symptoms like coughing and fever. People with certain medical conditions, such as breast cancer, may face a higher risk of serious and life-threatening complications from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for people with breast cancer. Getting vaccinated can help to prevent harmful outcomes from the illness. Learn more about breast cancer and the COVID-19 vaccine, including safety, benefits, side effects, and more....

Chlorine rash is a red, itchy rash that appears within hours of swimming in a chlorinated pool or soaking in a hot tub. Although some people refer to it as a “chlorine allergy,” chlorine rash is actually a non-allergic skin reaction, called irritant contact dermatitis, that occurs when a substance damages the skin’s protective outer layer. This article looks at the symptoms, causes, and treatment of chlorine rash as well as conditions with similar features....

Plenty of medical research explores inequitable outcomes for Black Americans navigating the health system, but few probe the reasons why those disparities exist and persist. This article is part of our series looking at how Black Americans navigate the healthcare system. According to our exclusive survey, one in three Black Americans report having experienced racism while seeking medical care. In a roundtable conversation, our Medical Expert Board called for better representation among providers to help solve this widespread problem....

For people receiving the first wave of COVID-19 vaccinations, the process will not be over with one shot. Key Takeaways The two COVID-19 vaccine candidates closest to receiving FDA approval require two doses for maximum effectiveness.While one dose of the Pfizer vaccine provides significant protection, the second dose is necessary to make sure the vaccine works for everyone.For best results, the doses should be scheduled three to four weeks apart. Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, the two vaccine candidates currently seeking Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization, require two doses....

If you’re shopping for health insurance in your state’s exchange/marketplace, you may see expanded bronze plans available for purchase. Expanded bronze plans pay for some medical services before you meet the deductible, and can have higher actuarial values than other bronze plans. This article will explain what these plans are, how they’re regulated, and how their coverage differs from regular bronze plans. Actuarial Values for Expanded Bronze Plans Under the Affordable Care Act, all individual and small group health plans with effective dates of 2014 or later are required to fall into one of four “metal” levels: Bronze, silver, gold, or platinum (in the individual market, there are also catastrophic plans available to some enrollees)....

Eye strain (asthenopia) is when your eyes become tired, sore, or achy after focusing on a task like crafting or reading for too long. Prolonged use of the muscles that make your eyes move and control how much light gets in causes them to fatigue, which is what leads to these symptoms. Eye strain has especially become a concern with the heavy use of smartphones, tablets, and other such devices. Eye fatigue related to use of these items is called digital eye strain....

Eyelid twitching occurs as an involuntary muscle spasm in your eyelid muscle. It can affect the lower or upper eyelid or both eyelids at the same time. Most cases of eyelid twitching are no more than a nuisance. The condition usually resolves itself over time. Treatment involves lifestyle changes to reduce stress and fatigue, as well as avoiding substances like caffeine and alcohol, that can worsen the condition. Eyelid twitching can occur as the result of eye infections or other eye conditions, like pink eye (conjunctivitis)....

The term “head and neck cancers” includes a variety of cancers that originate in the head or neck region. Thyroid and skin cancers are not counted among this group. However, it does include some cancers of the mouth, nose, and throat, like laryngeal cancer or tumors in your nasal sinuses. Because there are different kinds of head and neck cancers, there also are different causes and symptoms as well as treatments....

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, affecting at least 43 million people in their late teens and 20s. It’s a silent disease, meaning there may be no symptoms, and for many, their immune system clears the infection. The carrier may not know they had it or if they have passed it to a sexual partner. There are more than 100 strains of HPV, and types that do not clear up on their own can eventually lead to cancer....

The hilum of the lung is the wedge-shaped area on the central portion of each lung, located on the medial (middle) aspect of each lung. The hilar region is where the bronchi, arteries, veins, and nerves enter and exit the lungs. This area can be difficult to visualize on a chest X-ray, and further tests such as computerized tomography (CT) scan (sometimes requiring contrast dye, but no always) are often needed to determine if a problem exists....

Cardiac imaging with echocardiogram or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to diagnose hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). These noninvasive tests measure heart wall thickness and evaluate any associated blood flow obstruction or valvular problems that often accompany HCM. These tests may be ordered after HCM is suspected, based on the identification of a heart murmur or other abnormalities on a physical exam. Genetic blood testing may also be used to diagnose HCM....

Type 2 diabetes is the most common cause of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Low blood sugar can also occur in people with type 1 diabetes and people who do not have diabetes. The target level for normal blood sugar varies for each person and is based on factors like age, health issues, and the type of treatment you use. Blood sugar can also change during the day, based on the time of your last meal....

If you’ve been diagnosed with cervical cancer, your first concern may be about cure and survival. When detected early, cervical cancer is highly treatable and curable. More advanced cases of cervical cancer can also be treated, often with successful outcomes. The uterus (womb) and vagina connect through a hollow tube called the cervix. Cervical cancer starts in the cells that line the cervix. Early diagnosis through tests including Pap smears often catch abnormal cells at a precancerous stage or an early stage of cervical cancer....