Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers. Stage 1 lung cancer is defined by tumors that are very small and have not spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. Despite its name, it is actually the second earliest stage of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Typically, stage 1 lung cancer does not cause any outward symptoms. Because of this, only 12% to 15% of NSCLCs are detected when they’re still in this stage....
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful autoimmune disease of the joints that causes pain and loss of function. A clinical trial of a new drug called olokizumab showed it was at least as effective as the currently available standard treatments for RA. Key Takeaways Olokizumab, a monoclonal antibody therapy, is being looked at as a potential treatment for severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In a recent clinical trial, the drug worked better than a placebo and was on par with current RA treatments....
Teeth polishing is a common dental procedure, often performed following a dental cleaning. Using specialized equipment, dentists or hygienists remove stains and discolorations from your teeth and smooth them out to provide a glossy, attractive finish. It’s typically a painless, well-tolerated procedure. Teeth polishing is primarily done for cosmetic reasons, applying the “finishing touches” to enhance appearance. That said, it can also be used to help with exposed roots due to dental surgery....
People with thyroid disease frequently use dietary and herbal supplements. But, there are many things to consider before taking these products. Some may have benefits specifically for those who have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). On the other hand, some products may interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormones. These side effects may complicate testing or pose other dangers. Knowing more about some common supplements and their effect on thyroid disease can help you make the right choices for your overall health....
Uterine cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in the United States, with a yearly new cancer case rate of 27.2 per 100,000 people and a yearly death rate of 5 per 100,000 people. Uterine cancer primarily refers to two types of cancer that affect the uterus: Endometrial carcinoma and uterine sarcoma. Uterine sarcoma is much less common than endometrial carcinoma. Types While endometrial carcinoma is common and readily treated in the early stages, uterine sarcoma is rare and can be difficult to treat....
Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) is an antidepressant drug. It’s used to treat major depressive disorder (known as clinical depression or MDD) or seasonal affective disorder, now known as major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern. The prescription drug is available in tablet form, including a sustained-release tablet (Wellbutrin SR) and an extended-release tablet (Wellbutrin XL). Wellbutrin is also sold under other brand names, including: AplenzinForvivo XL It’s also available as a generic as:...
As of April 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 22.3% of the American populace is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with another 36.4% having their first dose done. Key Takeaways People who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can have inside visits with family at nursing homes under specific conditions.Experts warn that vaccination is not a silver bullet—visitors still need to take precautions, such as wearing a face mask....
In order for your asthma inhaler to work effectively, you’ll need to care for it properly. If it isn’t cleaned regularly and stored correctly, it can harbor debris or bacteria. That, in turn, can prevent you from getting the adequate amount of medication in your lungs or lead to respiratory infections—which, as a person with asthma, you already are at an increased risk of. Certain general cleaning principles apply to all inhalers, like making sure they are dry before use....
What Is Xyosted? Xyosted (testosterone) is a prescription medication used to treat low testosterone levels in males (sex assigned at birth) 18 years and older. It belongs to a drug class called androgens. Your body naturally makes certain hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These hormones help develop male sex organs and maintain secondary sex characteristics. Xyosted works like these hormones in males to increase testosterone levels. Xyosted is a controlled substance (Schedule III) because it has the potential for abuse and dependency....
Have you heard people talking about “grandmothered” health plans and wondered what they are? This article will explain what these plans are, what rules apply to them, and the approach that the federal and state governments have taken in terms of allowing them to continue to renew. When the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in 2010, it called for dramatic changes in the individual/family and small-group health insurance markets....
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also called seasonal depression, is a mental health condition in which symptoms occur at the same time each year. SAD affects about 0.5% to 3% of the general population, but is higher in those with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Typically, SAD symptoms appear or worsen in the fall and winter months, and subside in the spring and summer months. For about 10% of people with SAD, symptoms occur in the spring and summer months instead....
Typical treatment options for eczema usually include moisturizers, topical steroids, and prescription medications. However, some research suggests that acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine, may also help those affected by eczema. This article discusses how eczema can benefit from acupuncture treatment. What Is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves puncturing specific areas on the body, known as acupuncture points, with hair-thin metallic needles. It is thought that by stimulating specific points, the body’s central nervous system activates in a way that releases particular chemicals designed to enable healing throughout the body....
Antihistamines are drugs used to treat allergies, including nasal allergies caused by allergic rhinitis (hay fever). They work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released by the immune system in response to allergy-causing substances (allergens) like pollen or pet dander. By doing so, antihistamines can provide effective, short-term relief of nasal allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. This article looks at how antihistamines work and the different types used to treat nasal allergies....
A burn blister is a bubble of clear fluid under the skin that forms as the body’s way of protecting a burned area. Burn blisters are different from the blisters that develop as a result of repeated friction, rashes, or pinched skin. They commonly occur with second-degree burns from a heat source, chemicals, frostbite, or sunburn. This article provides an overview of burn blisters, as well as tips for treatment and prevention....
In order to determine if microwave ovens can cause cancer, there are several factors to consider, including: Whether electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range could cause cancer (such as by standing near a microwave oven)Whether microwave cooking can create carcinogens in foodsHow microwave cooking may affect the nutrients in foods that may protect against cancer We’ll look at each of these questions separately, discuss how the effects may differ with different foods, and share some pointers on when microwave heating could actually be dangerous....
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when you breathe in too much carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas produced by the combustion of fuel. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Excessive exposure to CO can lead to severe heartbeat irregularities, seizures, unconsciousness, and even death. This article discusses the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and how it’s diagnosed. It also discusses how it’s treated and ways to prevent it....
Catatonia is a psychomotor syndrome that is characterized by unusual behavioral and movement disturbances. Catatonic behavior can manifest with slow or diminished movement (retarded or akinetic type), excess or agitated movement (excited type), or dangerous physiological changes (malignant type). It is estimated that 10% of people who are hospitalized for acute psychiatric conditions have symptoms of catatonia. This condition can be life-threatening, but it is also highly treatable. Types of Catatonic Behavior Over the years, psychiatrists have grouped catatonic behaviors informally under three main types....
All viruses develop mutations and variants, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19 infection, is no different. Since the start of the pandemic, multiple variants have developed. One of these variants is B.1.617.2, also known as the Delta variant. This variant was initially discovered in India in December 2020 before it spread across the globe. Where Delta Has Spread After starting in India in 2020, the B.1.617.2 variant became the dominant strain in that country and globally until the worldwide surge of the Omicron variant (B....
Cranial nerve 7, which is also called the facial nerve, controls movement of the face, including the forehead, eyelids, cheeks, mouth, and jaw. The facial nerve can be damaged due to trauma, inflammation, infections, or disease. Damage to this nerve can cause facial weakness, as well as insufficient tears and saliva, a diminished sense of taste, and decreased sensation behind the ears. Depending on the cause, treatment of cranial nerve 7 damage can include medication, physical therapy, electrical stimulation techniques, and surgery....
Dacryocystitis refers to an infection of the tear sacs, which are part of the tear drainage system in the eye. Tears drain from each eye through small canals (drainage canals), a tear sac, and a tear duct. Drainage canals are found at the inner corner of each upper and lower eyelid, and they carry away tears that have rinsed the front surface of the eye. These canals empty into the tear sac, also known as the lacrimal sacs, through which tears move into the tear duct (nasolacrimal duct) and then into the nose....
