Hip pain is a common symptom that can be described as aching, sharp, or burning. It can range in intensity from mild to severe. There are many possible causes of hip pain. They include serious ones, like a fracture or joint infection, and less serious causes, like bursitis. Your healthcare provider can diagnose the cause and help to plan your treatment. This article presents information about the potential causes of hip pain....
Heart attack diagnosis begins with recognizing the symptoms and seeking prompt medical care. At the hospital, blood tests can look for markers of heart damage, and an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) can show changes in electrical activity in the heart, another sign of damage or reduced blood flow. Imaging tests can also help with the diagnosis. Knowing the signs and obtaining a timely diagnosis can increase your chances of survival and recovery....
This story is part of a series that explores growing health trends that were shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. Will these trends stay or go away in the post-pandemic era? Along with COVID-19, there’s also an epidemic of loneliness. A report from Harvard University suggested that the viral pandemic has deepened the loneliness that was already affecting many in the United States. Right now, 36% of all Americans, 61% of whom are young adults, could be feeling “serious loneliness....
Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5 now make up nearly 21% of new COVID-19 cases in the United States, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As new COVID-19 strains emerge, infectious disease experts say that reinfections and breakthrough COVID-19 infections will become increasingly normal. Key Takeaways If you were infected with COVID-19 once, it’s possible to get reinfected with new and emerging variants of the virus....
You already know that sunscreen is a must in your skincare routine, and not just to prevent sunburn. Regular sunscreen use will help stave off skin cancer, premature aging, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. You have more choices now than ever before, especially in the natural sunscreen realm. “Natural” sunscreens are those that are mineral-based and non-toxic. But all those choices can be incredibly overwhelming. We’re breaking it all down for you here, to help you make the right sunscreen choice for you and your family....
Coinfection occurs when a host organism or cell is infected at the same time with more than one pathogen. While this can technically occur with many different combinations of infections, there are particular coinfections that commonly occur together related to various risk factors. There are three particular conditions in which coinfections play a prominent role: Lyme disease, HIV, and hepatitis. Lyme Disease Lyme disease is considered a vector-borne disease. Vectors are anything that acts as a carrier of a disease....
So much about COVID-19 isn’t fully understood, like how exactly it spreads or when it will end. One of the few certainties, however, is that humans have little immunity to the SARS-COV-2 virus strain responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers around the world are racing to develop a vaccine to change that. One company at the forefront of COVID-19 vaccine research is Johnson & Johnson. On January 29, 2020, the brand announced its pharmaceutical division, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, would begin vaccine research....
Rescue seizure medications are prescription medications used to stop a seizure while it is occurring. Emergency treatment of seizures may be necessary in a number of situations, including status epilepticus, cluster seizures, and seizures during alcohol withdrawal. These medications are rapid-acting and their effects often wear off within a few hours. It’s often not possible to take a medication by mouth during a seizure, and the medications used for emergency management of seizures are available in forms that can be injected into a muscle (IM), administered intravenously (IV, in a vein), used as a nasal spray, or administered rectally....
Bleeding is a common and usually first sign of a miscarriage, also known as spontaneous abortion. Miscarriage bleeding can range from brownish discharge or light spotting to heavy bleeding with bright red blood and, sometimes, clots. It may accompany other symptoms, such as cramping and pain in your abdomen, dizziness, or discharge of tissue through the vagina. Know, however, that light bleeding during the first three months of pregnancy is also common and not necessarily a sign of a miscarriage....
Orange urine (pee) can be caused by dehydration, diet, or medications. In some cases, though, it could mean a more serious issue, such as a liver disorder or problem with a bile duct. This article discusses orange urine and some of its possible causes, including diet, medication, and certain health conditions. It explains how orange pee can provide clues about your health and when you may need to call your healthcare provider....
Around 19,880 people will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in a year. If you have ovaries, your overall risk for this disease will increase with age. This article will discuss important facts and statistics you should know about ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cancer Overview The ovaries are the part of the female reproductive system where eggs are produced. Ovarian cancer starts in ovarian tissue cells. It may also originate in the far (distal) end of a fallopian tube....
Pneumocystis pneumonia—often referred to by the acronym PCP—is a potentially life-threatening condition in which fluid builds up in the lungs and causes inflammation. PCP is caused by a tiny fungus called Pneumocystis jirovecii that is common in the environment. Pneumocystis pneumonia has a long recorded history, going as far back as 1909. In the 1940s and 1950s, pneumocystis pneumonia was the cause of the pneumonia epidemics affecting premature and malnourished infants....
People with psoriatic arthritis are often prescribed immunosuppressive medications to manage their symptoms and reduce inflammation. Because this type of medication weakens your immune system response, people with psoriatic arthritis who take these medications are at increased risk of acquiring infections, possibly including a coronavirus infection COVID-19. Psoriatic Arthritis and COVID-19 Risk Commonly prescribed medications for psoriatic arthritis include nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying drugs like methotrexate. They can help reduce inflammation and related symptoms....
Smoking marijuana is associated with respiratory problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and recurrent lung infections. The effects are dose-dependent: The more marijuana you smoke, the higher your risk of developing respiratory issues. Additionally, secondhand smoke from marijuana is also associated with serious breathing issues and pulmonary diseases, especially among children who are exposed to marijuana in an enclosed environment. Respiratory Effects of Smoking Marijuana The impact of smoking marijuana is similar to the impact of smoking cigarettes on your lungs....
You may be surprised if your healthcare provider recommends an antidepressant for chronic pain. Is this because she believes you are depressed? Or can antidepressants help with pain even for people without any symptoms of depression? Let’s look at what the research tells us about the role of different classes of antidepressants in the treatment of chronic pain. The Link Between Depression and Chronic Pain It’s not uncommon for people with chronic pain diseases and conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain to experience depression....
Healthcare providers usually recommend starting mammogram screenings for breast cancer from the ages of 40 to 50. Recommendations can vary significantly for people at a higher risk for breast cancer. However, the exact age depends on the professional organization’s guidelines your healthcare provider chooses to follow. For example, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends breast cancer screening beginning at age 45 with the option to start at age 40, whereas the Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends mammography beginning at age 50....
Thanksgiving is almost here and this food-centric holiday can be a challenge for people with diabetes. There’s more to think about than just the sugary desserts: the carb-heavy sides, large portions, free-flowing alcohol, and family expectations. Elizabeth Stasny, a university professor who has type 1 diabetes, has to be extra mindful of her blood sugar levels during the Thanksgiving holiday. Whether she’s hosting or attending a gathering, the holiday can make it difficult to stick to her diet and exercise routines....
What Is Zithromax? Zithromax (azithromycin) is a prescription medication used to treat various bacterial infections, such as bronchitis, sinusitis, skin infections, and more. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Zithromax is in a drug class known as macrolide antibiotics. It is available in oral form as a tablet, commonly under the brand name of Zithromax Z-Pack (a five-day regimen) or Zithromax Tri-Pak (a three-day regimen). It also comes in an oral suspension and injection form....
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s immune system attacks their joints, leading to joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. In certain cases, when other treatment options like disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologics have not worked, surgery may be the only remaining option to improve a person’s quality of life. This article reviews the different types of surgeries that may benefit people with RA. When Is Surgery Right for You?...
An allergist is a physician who is specially trained to help people who have allergies, asthma, and similar immunologic conditions. You may be referred to an allergist by your primary care doctor, for example, if your seasonal allergies cannot be tamed with standard treatments. Given their specific area of focus, allergists are often able to identify and help manage causes of severe or life-threatening symptoms. Allergy and immunology is a combined specialty in which physicians train in both subspecialty areas....
