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Beta2 (ß2)-agonist medications are a type of inhaled bronchodilator used to treat asthma. In the pathophysiology of asthma, tightened airways cause wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and chronic cough. ß2-agonists relax the smooth muscles of the airways to relieve these symptoms. Both short-acting ß2-agonists (SABAs) and long-acting ß2-agonists (LABAs) play important—but different—roles in asthma management. What Do ß2-Agonists Do? SABAs work quickly and are used to halt asthma attacks and other asthma symptoms right away....

A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves removing a small sample of tissue or cells so it can be examined under a microscope. It can help diagnose a condition and determine its severity so that the right treatment can be prescribed. A biopsy can also monitor how well you respond to a specific type of treatment. There are different types of biopsies, some of which are performed surgically and others of which may involve a needle, imaging tests, or an endoscope....

Breast cancer survival rates have improved significantly in the past 30 years, thanks to advancements in how the disease is diagnosed and treated. Clinical trials are one of the key reasons more women are surviving breast cancer than ever. Breast cancer clinical trials are research studies that test the effectiveness and safety of new ways to detect, treat, and improve a person’s quality of life for all types and stages of breast cancer....

A calf strain is an injury to the muscles of the back of the lower leg. These injuries are most often caused by minor tears of muscle fibers. Usually, the bulk of the muscle tissue remains intact. More severe strains may be caused by a complete tear of the muscle. There may be loss of function. This article looks at the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of calf strain injuries. Calf Strain Symptoms If you strain your calf, you may notice a sudden, sharp pain in the back of your leg....

What Is Clarinex? Clarinex (desloratadine) is a prescription treatment option to relieve allergy symptoms, itchiness, and hives. It’s a second-generation histamine (H1) antagonist, which works by blocking histamine release in the body. Histamine is a chemical responsible for causing allergy symptoms. Clarinex is available as a regular tablet, an easily dissolvable tablet, and as an oral syrup. What Is Clarinex Used For? Clarinex is used to relieve allergy symptoms. It may also help with itchiness and hives (skin rash)....

A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a simple procedure in which a healthcare provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the anus to check for abnormalities in the rectum and pelvic area. While commonly associated with the early detection of prostate cancer, a DRE also can be used to check for anal or rectal masses, abnormal growths in women’s reproductive organs, and more. Purpose of Test A digital rectal exam can help to detect a variety of conditions in both men and women:...

Dust mites are microscopic creatures that live in household items like bedding and carpets. Although these tiny pests do not bite, sting, or take up residence on the human body, they sometimes can cause an itchy skin rash in some people who are allergic to them. More often, however, dust mites can exacerbate symptoms related to an allergic reaction or asthma such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Dust mites are ubiquitous in most households, but are not always problematic....

Treatment for eating disorders may include various types of therapy, prescription medications, and alternative therapies. As eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness, treatment is essential. There is not necessarily a “cure” for these conditions. Like many mental health conditions, a person will likely cope with their eating disorder throughout their life. The focus of treatment will be on working toward recovery and preventing relapse in the future....

Arthritis refers to a group of diseases that cause inflammation and swelling of one or more joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, with the most common types being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis, but usually include joint pain and stiffness. Joint pain can either occur symmetrically, affecting both sides of the body, or asymmetrically, causing unilateral symptoms, which only affect one side of your body....

The exact cause of Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is unknown, but being overweight is a risk factor for developing the condition. It is believed that diet plays an important role in the severity of the condition, as well. There is no singular diet recommended for people with hidradenitis suppurativa and research in this area remains limited. However, some studies suggest diets low in sugar, processed foods, and dairy and high in plants and anti-inflammatory foods may be beneficial....

“Hot flashes are a good sign for women with breast cancer.” Did you read that right? If you’re living with hot flashes, you know that the sensation is not as pleasant as you may have once pictured it. One woman who described hot flashes as “having her own private summer” must have forgotten about the heaps of laundry that go with these periodic drenchings. Yet we are learning that hot flashes aren’t always bad....

When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2008, like most with the condition, I was bombarded with information. In a blink of an eye, I was thrust into carb counting classes and meetings with diabetic educators. They taught me the basics like how to inject insulin and what diet to follow. 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....

Epilepsy is usually treated with prescription drugs to control seizures, but it may also involve surgery, nerve stimulation devices, or special diets, depending on your situation and how well your seizures are controlled with medication. Multiple new epilepsy treatments are on the horizon, as well. Regardless of the treatment course you follow, the end goals are the same: to allow you to live your fullest life, prevent seizures, and minimize the effects of managing your disorder....

Oligodendroglioma treatment depends on the type of the tumor, the location of the tumor, its grade, and the overall health of the individual. To highlight the holistic approach to treatment, this article will discuss the primary treatment options for oligodendrogliomas, which include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Moreover, secondary supplementary drug regimes, such as lifestyle changes and over-the-counter (OTC) supplements, will also be highlighted. Prescriptions Medications used to treat oligodendroglioma may include:...

There are many possible treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), including natural remedies. These can include supplements—some of which are more promising than others—as well as lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting better sleep, and reducing stress. While natural remedies for ED have gained popularity, many have not been well researched and are not regulated for safety or effectiveness. This article will discuss natural treatment options, including which have been shown to work and which carry risks....

Inverse psoriasis, also known as flexural psoriasis or intertriginous psoriasis, is an unusual type of psoriasis that occurs in skin folds. The facts that it affects the armpits, groin, and under the breasts (rather than extensor surfaces) and lesions are smooth (rather than scaly) are what set cases of inverse psoriasis apart from those of the more common type, plaque psoriasis. The disease disproportionately affects overweight people and accounts for anywhere from 3% to 7% of all psoriasis cases, according to a 2012 study in Dermatology and Therapy....

Lactic acid has a few benefits for skin. This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) removes dead skin cells, lightens dark spots, and improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles on all skin types—including sensitive skin. Lactic acid is used in over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products and professional treatments. It’s also found in many topical treatments, applied to the skin, that are used to treat eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. This article explains how lactic acid works, how to use it, and side effects to know about....

A low-grade fever is usually defined as a body temperature between 99 F (37.2 C) and 100.3 F (37.9 C). Some healthcare providers define a low-grade fever as a body temperature between 100 F (37.8 C) and 102 F (38.9 C). A normal body temperature is about 98.6 F (37 C), with slight variations also considered normal in healthy people. These minor changes may be due to several factors, such as whether the temp is taken orally or rectally, or in the morning or the evening....

Managing your mental health earlier in life may be the key to improving your overall physical health down the line. Key Takeaways Researchers found that being hospitalized for a mental disorder increased the risk of hospitalization for physical disease and earlier mortality.Early treatment of mental disorders could lower these risks and lead to a better quality of life.Experts stress the need for collaboration between physical and mental healthcare providers on patient treatment....

The larger of the two terminal arteries arising from the external carotid artery in the upper-rear portion (called the “neck”) of the mandible (lower jaw bone), the maxillary artery is a primary source of blood for deep structures in the face and mouth. From its origin in the parotid gland—a source of saliva located in the space behind the jaw—this vessel passes frontwards and supplies deep structures within the face and head, including the mandible, teeth, chewing muscles, palate, nose, and cranial dura mater (the protective membrane surrounding the brain)....