A peanut allergy can cause a mild stomachache, a rash, or it may cause life-threatening breathing problems. It isn’t clear why some people develop peanut allergies, but these reactions can develop due to exposure to tiny amounts of peanut residue. There are medical ways to reduce the effects of a peanut allergy after they occur, but the best way to stay safe is to avoid peanuts and products that contain peanuts....
A pimple occurs when bacteria gets trapped inside a clogged pore, a tiny hole in the skin that also contains hair follicles. Pores can become clogged by hair and oil cells, which prevents bacteria release. A pimple (or another type of bump) can be found inside the nose. Pimples inside the nose are generally uncomfortable but harmless; however, some bumps inside the nose could require medical attention, including bumps from allergies, bacterial infections, or, in extreme cases, cancerous growth....
There is a well-established link between psoriasis and anxiety. They are known to have a cyclical relationship, in which one can exacerbate the other, leading to flares. Managing and treating psoriasis may help reduce anxiety and vice versa. Read on to learn more about the link between psoriasis and anxiety and how to manage it. What’s the Link Between Psoriasis and Anxiety? Studies have found that than anywhere from 7% to 48% of people with psoriasis have anxiety....
People can often find themselves tongue-tied if someone they care about is experiencing hardship or loss. If you are ever in this position and don’t know what to say, you can express your feelings by sharing quotations that reflect how you feel. In the end, if it strikes a chord with you, it will likely do the same to the loved one you are hoping to comfort. Sharing quotes—whether in a eulogy, an obituary, on a card, or in a heartfelt note—says that you’ve taken the time to find the right sentiment to guide a loved one through the complicated stages of loss and grief....
Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by a parasitic worm. A parasite is an organism that invades a human body (called the host) and feeds off it to survive. The worm that causes schistosomiasis can damage several organs. Without early treatment, schistosomiasis can also cause a range of concerns including miscarriage, anemia, liver disease, and brain inflammation. In this article, you’ll read about how different types of schistosomiasis affect the body and how the disease can be prevented and treated....
What Is Sovaldi? Sovaldi (sofosbuvir) is an antiviral drug used to treat chronic hepatitis C infection. It is often prescribed with ribavirin or pegylated interferon (another hepatitis treatment). Sovaldi belongs to a class of drugs called nucleotide polymerase inhibitors. Sofosbuvir works by preventing the hepatitis C virus (HCV) from multiplying, reducing the amount of HCV in your body. However, it may not effectively stop the spread of hepatitis C to others....
For someone living with cancer, the support of family and friends is critical in their journey. Yet, a diagnosis of cancer often catches everyone by surprise and shifts the roles we are accustomed to playing. Those who have not personally struggled with cancer, though well-meaning, are unable to understand completely what their loved one is going through both emotionally and physically. As you face this new territory, what are some tips that can guide you in how to support your loved one through their often lonely journey?...
Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the joints, eyes, and urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder to the outside of your body). This type of arthritis is distinguishable because of the different areas of the body it affects. Reactive arthritis is sometimes called Reiter’s syndrome. It is a type of spondyloarthritis, an umbrella term for disorders linked by their symptoms and a specific gene marker called HLA-B27....
The bronchi are the airways that lead from the trachea into the lungs and then branch off into progressively smaller structures until they reach the alveoli, the tiny sacs that allow for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. While the bronchi function primarily as passageways for air, they also play a role in immune function. A number of different medical conditions can affect the bronchi, including bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer....
About 37.3 million people in the United States have diabetes, and nearly 90 to 95% of people diagnosed have type 2 diabetes, a chronic health condition affecting the way the body processes blood glucose (sugar). Black Americans are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than White Americans. Experts have linked this disparity to systemic racism. This article is part of Health Divide: Type 2 Diabetes in People of Color, a destination in our Health Divide series....
Ventricular fibrillation, the No. 1 cause of sudden cardiac arrest, impacts the flow of blood in the body and may result in severe health consequences. Within seconds, a person experiencing ventricular fibrillation can have no sign of a pulse and become unresponsive. Prompt administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of a defibrillator can preserve oxygen delivery and significantly reduce the risk of death. What Is Ventricular Fibrillation? Ventricular fibrillation is a condition that is characterized by rapid, erratic heartbeats that cause the heart to abruptly stop effectively pumping blood to the body....
What Is Victoza? Victoza (liraglutide) is a prescription drug used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes who are aged 10 years and older. It can also be used to lower the risk of major heart events, such as heart attack and stroke, in adults with type 2 diabetes who have heart disease. Victoza is available as a prefilled pen for injection under the skin (of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm)....
What has come to be known as the “name test” is an assessment researchers at the University of California, Davis devised to screen for early indicators of autism in babies. It is a simple test that involves saying a child’s name and seeing if they respond to it. While the researchers concluded that the name test is quite reliable in indicating developmental issues indicative of autism, some media coverage of the 2007 study wrongly insinuated that the test can diagnose the condition....
The United States sees more gun violence than any other developed nation. More than 33,000 people die every year as a result of firearms—roughly the same as car crashes—yet United States officials don’t approach gun violence in the same way they do other health and safety issues, like infectious diseases or drownings. Why not? And what if we did? Through a process known as the “public health approach,” public health officials have been able to improve the health and safety of American citizens due to a wide range of issues, from smoking to obesity....
Kidney problems can develop suddenly or over a long period of time. The rapid loss of kidney function is called acute kidney injury (AKI). It is typically due to an event like dehydration, blood loss, or a urinary tract obstruction. The gradual loss of kidney function is referred to as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is typically caused by a long-term condition like diabetes or high blood pressure. In some people, CKD can lead to end-stage renal disease, in which the kidneys completely cease functioning....
There is no cure for eczema, but treatments are available. These range from over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and lifestyle changes to complementary or alternative therapies. Bleach baths are one treatment option for eczema that may be used alongside over-the-counter or prescribed medications. Bleach baths can reduce inflammation and itching and may lower the number of bacteria on the skin, which can cause infections. This article covers bleach baths for eczema in more detail....
Bleeding during or after sex is common and not always a reason to worry. As many as 9% of people have experienced vaginal bleeding after sex that was not related to their menstrual period. It’s also called postcoital bleeding. Between 46% and 63% of postmenopausal people will experience dryness, itching, tenderness, or bleeding during or after sex that’s related to hormonal changes affecting the vaginal tissue. This article will go over seven common reasons for bleeding during or after sex....
The little idiosyncrasies make us human. Whether your left hand span measures one centimeter more, or your right earlobe seems to hang a little lower in the mirror, small asymmetric variations in double body parts are completely normal … nothing to worry about. Sometimes, however, exaggerated physical discrepancies, even if benign, can be important. Some women with uneven breasts receive plastic surgery to make things more symmetric. Moreover, discrepancies in the size of other body parts, like the hands or limbs (arms and legs), can be so substantial that they signify more serious illness....
Bronchiolitis and bronchitis are both infections that affect the lungs and can have overlapping symptoms such as a cough, wheezing, and low-grade fever. However, there are some very important differences in symptoms, causes, treatment, and ultimately, how they may affect future lung function. Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the small airways (bronchioles) and most often affects infants less than 2 years of age. Bronchitis causes inflammation of the bronchi (and bronchioles to a degree) and can affect people of any age....
A cesarean section, or C-section, is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby by making an incision in the abdomen. Your doctor may recommend this surgery in certain situations, such as when the health of the pregnant person or fetus is at risk, certain pregnancy complications arise, and labor fails to progress. C-sections may be scheduled or done on an emergency basis. Most often, doctors use an epidural or spinal anesthesia to block sensations during a C-section....
