Pediatric surgery is any surgery performed on a patient under the age of 18. While the definition of pediatric surgery is simple, the reality of having a child who needs surgery is very different. Parenting a child who is ill or in need of a surgical procedure can be very challenging. The questions your child asks can be difficult, and you may not know what to say or how to explain what will be happening....
A survey conducted by CiCi’s Pizza, reported in the New York Daily News, revealed that the average American will eat more than 6,000 slices of pizza in their lifetime. There’s no question that many of us are fond of pizza, but allergy-triggering substances (allergens) in pizza can keep some people from enjoying it. The most common allergens in pizza are casein, tomato, and yeast. Allergic reactions to them can cause symptoms ranging from stomach upset to trouble breathing and even death....
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar. It occurs when the body’s ability to turn glucose from the food you eat into energy is hindered. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps manage blood sugar levels in the bloodstream by helping blood sugar get into cells where it is used for energy. When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or any at all, or if the body becomes resistant to insulin, sugar in the blood cannot enter cells and remains in the blood, resulting in high blood glucose....
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and skin. In the joints, it causes pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can lead to long-term damage and disability. PsA can also cause skin symptoms and is commonly linked to the inflammatory condition psoriasis, which is known for causing red, silvery plaques from the overproduction of skin cells. PsA is a commonly misdiagnosed condition. According to a 2018 study reported in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 96% of people who were eventually diagnosed with PsA received at least one misdiagnosis before their PsA diagnosis....
Ring avulsions are rare injuries in which soft tissue like a ligament, tendon, or muscle are torn loose in the finger when a ring is suddenly and accidentally pulled off. Also called degloving, this could cause a range of problems from mild bruising to bone, blood vessel, ligament, or nerve damage. In rare and extreme cases, a ring avulsion might result finger amputattion. Most people will never experience a ring avulsion, but if you work in a job where you’re more likely to catch your ring, you may be at risk....
Every exercise program, whether for sports performance enhancement, general fitness, or for physical therapy reasons, should include three types of training. These are cardiorespiratory, resistance training, and flexibility (mobility training). According to the American Council on Exercise, an effective fitness program needs all three elements. And all three play a role in back pain prevention and management. Exercise and Pain You might not automatically associate aerobic exercise with a decrease in back pain, but the association is there....
Steroid creams for psoriasis are topical corticosteroids. Available by prescription, these medications help to relieve the itching and discomfort of a psoriasis rash. Topical corticosteroids come as creams, foams, gels, ointments, or solutions in a variety of strengths. Prescriptions commonly include clobetasol, triamcinolone, and hydrocortisone. Unlike oral steroids that disseminate the active drug through the body, these medications penetrate the skin and go directly to the affected cells. Topical corticosteroids can help treat psoriasis by:...
Substance abuse disorder—which is referred to as substance use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)—is a chronic and complex disorder involving the continued use of drugs or alcohol (substances) despite significant substance-related problems. Quitting is not a matter of willpower, nor is it a simple choice. This is because addiction involves physical and mental changes in the brain that make it difficult to stop using....
If you are having a mastectomy for breast cancer treatment of prophylaxis, you will most likely have surgical drains in place when you go home. Surgical drains are also usually placed during breast reconstruction surgery. Your surgeon or nurse will give you instructions on how to manage your drains, but knowing what to expect can make living with drains a bit easier. The Purpose of Drains Surgical drains perform an important role in healing after breast surgery....
A MUGA scan—the acronym for multiple gated acquisition scan—is a noninvasive, nuclear medicine test used to examine the ventricles (lower chambers) of the heart. It uses gamma rays and a radioactive tracer to create a computerized image of the heart as it beats. A MUGA scan is particularly useful for evaluating the overall ability of the heart to pump blood. Purpose of Test A MUGA scan typically is performed to evaluate how well the heart is pumping blood....
Thyroid cancer is relatively rare. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that there will be 44,280 new cases of thyroid cancer and an estimated 2,200 people will die of this disease in 2021. Thyroid cancer most commonly begins as a growth (called a nodule) in the thyroid gland, which is located in the lower, front part of your neck. Usually, the nodule does not cause any symptoms; although a large thyroid nodule may cause pain or difficulty swallowing or breathing....
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a type of non-insulin medication that is used in combination with diet and exercise to help treat type 2 diabetes. These drugs are prescribed to help lower blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1C and to aid in weight loss. Research has shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists can have other health benefits on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and beta-cell function. These injectable drugs are usually prescribed along with oral diabetes medicines or insulin therapy....
Osteoporosis is a condition that develops over time as your bones get weaker with age. You may not have symptoms early on, but as the disease progresses, your bones will get frailer. This means that breaks and fractures can happen more easily. This article will explain the stages of osteoporosis, as well as the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments for the condition. What Is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease....
Post-transplant diabetes (also known as new-onset diabetes) occurs when a person develops diabetes after they receive an organ transplant. The condition affects about 10% to 40% of people who undergo an organ transplant. Post-transplant diabetes is usually caused by medications that keep the body from rejecting the new organ. These medications suppress the immune system, which is the body’s defense against foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses. Other possible causes of new-onset diabetes include a family history of diabetes, high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure, and having been diagnosed with hepatitis C....
Hormones are chemicals produced by glands (small organs) that make up the endocrine system. Hormones travel through the bloodstream sending messages to tissues or organs. Some people require medications that increase or decrease hormone levels to treat certain diseases and medical conditions. This type of treatment is called hormone therapy (HT). This article discusses hormone therapy’s uses, benefits, and risks. What Is Hormone Therapy? Hormones are essential to metabolism, growth and development, sexual function, reproduction, and mood....
If you’ve ever had a medical emergency in your home, you might recognize the importance of having medical information on hand and ready. Where should you keep this important information? Do paramedics and EMTs really look in a patient’s refrigerator or cell phone to find medical information?Whether it’s on your fridge, in your wallet, on the door, or on your phone, let’s talk about what medical information is needed if you ever have a medical emergency....
What Is Acetaminophen and Codeine? Acetaminophen and codeine is a combination oral prescription medication used to treat pain in cases where an opioid is appropriate, and other treatment options have not worked. Acetaminophen and codeine is a combination of two ingredients. Acetaminophen (also available as a single-ingredient drug under the brand name Tylenol) is categorized as an analgesic or pain reliever. Codeine is an opioid, or narcotic, analgesic. In the body, codeine is converted to its active drug, morphine, and causes pain relief and sedation....
Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a mental health disorder characterized by extreme changes in mood or energy levels. The classic symptoms are alternating episodes of mania (elevated mood), followed by periods of severe depression. Far too often, bipolar disorder is portrayed in the media in exaggerated form, with inaccurate depictions, violent images, and demeaning language. This creates a stigma that harms people living with the condition. Read on to learn more about bipolar disorder stigma, including where it comes from, how to reduce it, and effective coping skills....
Blueberry extract is a natural health supplement made from concentrated blueberry juice. A rich source of nutrients and antioxidants, blueberry extract contains beneficial plant compounds (including the flavonol quercetin) and anthocyanins, a class of compounds purported to reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease and cancer. In natural medicine, blueberry extract is said to have a number of health benefits, including improved blood vessel health. It is often used to treat or prevent the following conditions:...
A bowel obstruction occurs when a section of the small or large intestine becomes partially or completely blocked. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fevers, constipation, and vomiting. This can be a dangerous condition, potentially increasing the risk of a severe infection or a perforation (hole) in the intestine. Certain medical illnesses such as Crohn’s disease increase the risk of bowel obstruction. Bowel Obstruction Symptoms A bowel obstruction can begin suddenly or may progress gradually over several weeks or days....
