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Iron deficiency is the most common cause of nutritional deficiency in the world. It usually stems from a lack of dietary iron, but medical illnesses like gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, as well as pregnancy and menstruation, can cause iron deficiency as well. It can cause subtle, slowly worsening effects, such as anemia (low red blood cell count) and learning delays in children. Iron Deficiency Symptoms Iron is a mineral that forms the heme portion of hemoglobin, a protein inside red blood cells (RBCs) that binds to oxygen....

In April 2022, cases of hepatitis of unknown cause in children were first identified in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. About a week later, the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that at least 169 pediatric cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin had been reported from more than 12 countries. Key Takeaways Pediatric cases of hepatitis of unknown origin have been identified worldwide, including in the United States.Researchers have wondered if COVID-19 might be related to the cases, but more research is needed....

Knee pain and lung cancer may not be what you commonly think of when joint pain symptoms occur, but knee pain can be a sign of lung cancer in very rare instances. It’s common to see a healthcare provider for knee pain, but you may want to discuss a cancer screening even if you don’t have a cough, weight loss, or “typical” signs of lung cancer. That’s especially true for people at high risk of lung cancer because of smoking, genetics, environmental exposure, or even their male gender at birth....

Knee pain can be caused by overuse, injury, or damage to the knee joint, cartilage, or surrounding muscles as a result of an underlying condition like arthritis. It can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks like walking, going up and down stairs, and sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time. Several different types of medications, both over-the-counter and prescription drugs, can be used to manage knee pain....

What Is Leukeran? Leukeran (chlorambucil) is an oral medication in the class of antineoplastics, more specifically, an alkylating agent. It’s used to treat certain types of cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as some types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Leukeran works by slowing down the growth of cancer cells. It is not a cure for these diseases, but it can help treat them and potentially reduce some symptoms....

While breast cancer most often affects women (people assigned female at birth), about 1% of cases are diagnosed in men (people assigned male at birth). Male breast cancer arises as cells that develop into cancer change, divide, and spread within ducts and lobules—the same tissues affected in female breasts, which men have in smaller amounts. This results in the development of benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumors. Primarily, male breast cancer is caused by elevated levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone....

What Is Medrol? Medrol (methylprednisolone) is a prescription medication used to treat inflammation in the body related to several medical conditions such as rheumatic diseases, blood disorders, severe allergies, and eye problems. Medrol belongs to a class of medications known as glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids work by changing your body’s immune response and decreasing inflammation. Medrol is available in tablet form only by prescription. Methylprednisolone is also available for injection under the brand names Depo-Medrol and Solu-Medrol....

Multiple myeloma (also referred to as myeloma) is a type of rare, incurable cancer of the blood—also known as hematologic cancer. It affects cells called plasma cells, which are types of white blood cells. Normal plasma cells function to make antibodies, helping the body to fight infection. Myeloma involves malignant plasma cells that build up in the bone marrow or the soft tissue in the center of bones. The term malignant describes the tendency to progressively worsen, invade, and destroy nearby tissue by spreading (metastasizing) to other parts of the body....

Neupogen (filgrastim) is a medication given to some people receiving chemotherapy to prevent or treat a condition called chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell (WBC) that help prevent infection. Neupogen works by stimulating the bone marrow to increase the production of white blood cells. After chemotherapy administration, the medication is given as a subcutaneous injection (in the tissue under the skin). This article will explain what Neupogen is, along with its known side effects and benefits....

An orthopedist is a medical provider who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, joints, and other connective tissues). An orthopedist is also known as an orthopedic doctor, orthopedic physician, or orthopedic surgeon. You might see an orthopedist if you have pain, swelling, and deformity from a joint injury or have badly sprained a muscle, ligament, or other supportive skeletal structure....

Pernicious anemia (PA) is often thought of as a disease that older people get, but, actually, it can affect people of all ages. Research shows it is strongly associated with other autoimmune diseases, including psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a type of inflammatory arthritis that can affect people with psoriasis (an autoimmune skin condition). According to the Pernicious Anaemia Society, PA affects up to 4% of people with psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms of PsA include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling that flares up and subsides....

Sebaceous glands are microscopic organs in the skin that secrete an oily substance called sebum that lubricates and waterproofs the skin. The sebaceous glands are part of the integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, nails, and other structures that help protect the body from environmental or physical damage. The glands are part of the pilosebaceous unit, which comprises the hair follicle, hair shaft, and erector pili muscles (responsible for goosebumps)....

Secondary hyperlipidemia is an abnormal rise in blood lipids (fats), including cholesterol and triglycerides. It does not cause noticeable symptoms, but it can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Also known as acquired hyperlipidemia, secondary hyperlipidemia develops as a result of lifestyle, underlying health conditions, or medication. It is diagnosed with a lipid panel blood test that measures fats in the blood. Secondary hyperlipidemia is managed by modifying certain unhealthy behaviors and using cholesterol-lowering drugs....

Seizure clusters are groupings of seizure attacks within a short span of time. Though there’s some debate about the exact definition of this condition, you experience these if you have more than two to three seizures within a 24-hour period. They arise in more difficult cases of epilepsy, a disorder that affects the electric signaling of the brain and central nervous system (CNS). Also known as acute repetitive seizures (ARS) or crescendo seizures, seizure clusters primarily occur in those who have refractory or intractable epilepsy, a type for which drug therapies have been ineffective....

Skin allergies occur after exposure to some allergen that triggers an immune system response. There are several common types of skin allergies, including hives, eczema (atopic dermatitis), and contact allergies known as contact dermatitis. All skin allergies are caused by an immune system reaction to some allergen. This article will detail how common skin allergies are, who gets them, and why seeking support from your healthcare provider for skin allergies is important....

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the colon, causing symptoms such as bloody diarrhea and fatigue. If you live with UC, your healthcare provider may prescribe steroids, also called corticosteroids, to treat inflammation in the digestive tract. The goal of treatment is to resolve symptoms and maintain remission, or a period of no symptoms. Steroids typically treat short-term flare-ups of UC effectively. However, long-term use of steroids can have negative side effects....

The Tdap vaccine is a combination vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (commonly known as whooping cough). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant people receive the Tdap vaccine during the final trimester of pregnancy. When the Tdap vaccine is given between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, antibodies against whooping cough are passed to the fetus. Studies have found that prenatal Tdap vaccination significantly lowers a newborn’s risk of contracting whooping cough in the first two months of life....

The ulna, along with the larger and stronger radius, makes up the forearm. Being longer and thinner, the ulna is often more easily fractured as a result of trauma. The upper end (the head) of the ulna meets with the lower end of the humerus and one side of the radius. The size and location of the ulna allow for more freedom of movement and increased rotation of the forearm....

Over 34 million Americans, about 1 in 10 U.S. adults, are currently living with type 2 diabetes, with many more unaware that they have the condition. People with diabetes are more likely to get severely ill and have serious complications from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way to lower your risk of serious medical complications, especially if you have diabetes. Getting vaccinated is central to lowering your risk of severe complications that can lead to hospitalization or death....

There are many reasons why you might get toe cramps—from something as simple as not drinking enough water to serious underlying medical conditions and rare infections. These sudden muscle contractions may be related to an issue solely involving your toes, or your entire foot or ankle can be involved. This article looks at 10 causes of toe cramps. It explains what’s happening in the foot to cause the aches and pains, as well as ways to get some relief....