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Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical created by the immune system. An increase in histamine release generally occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, or a drug, especially in allergic reactions. Histamine can cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, itchy watery eyes, itchy skin, or hives. Diphenhydramine is a common ingredient that is used in a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can be used in a variety of forms, including single-ingredient and combination-ingredient products, and as pills, capsules, liquids, and chewable tablets....

The dying process usually begins well before death takes place. It’s common to move through certain end-of-life stages that follow a general timeline. Being tuned in to the physical, mental, and emotional changes of your loved one can help you recognize the signs that they’re dying. Knowing more about the end-of-life process may help you better prepare for what’s to come. Still, nothing about that process is certain or applicable to everyone....

Gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) entails the removal of the gallbladder, a pear-shaped organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen that stores bile. Gallbladder surgery is used to treat several gallbladder-related conditions, most commonly gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) from gallstones. What Is Gallbladder Surgery? Gallbladder surgery is performed by a general surgeon in a hospital under general anesthesia. In select cases (e.g., an intolerance to general anesthesia), the operation may be performed under spinal anesthesia....

Pharmacists can now prescribe the antiviral drug Paxlovid—an oral treatment for COVID-19—thanks to an expanded authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite pushback from a few organizations, many infectious disease experts are applauding the move. Key Takeaways The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid to eligible patients who test positive for COVID-19. Patients must connect the pharmacist to a provider who knows their medical history or be able to provide recent kidney and liver function tests....

Taking steps to prevent getting a salmonella infection can save you and your family from being one of the 1.2 million people in the United States who contract this illness each year. The bacteria responsible for salmonella is spread by contaminated food and by handling animals such as pet turtles that carry it in their feces. Avoid raw or undercooked meat and eggs and ensure raw meat is handled separately from other foods when preparing a meal....

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, scaly patches or lesions on the skin. As with other autoimmune diseases, psoriasis can be cyclical, having active flares and periods of reduced symptoms. People may experience varying levels of pain in either their skin lesions or their joints. This article discusses the intensity and location of psoriasis pain, pain relief remedies, and prevention guidelines. Is Psoriasis Painful? It is important to be aware that not all forms of psoriasis are the same....

Taking your prescribed medications is not only crucial for treating a short-term health condition or illness, but it plays an imperative role in preventing long-lasting complications. Taking medication for conditions that do not noticeably affect you can be frustrating, but there is a good reason. For example, although you may not feel symptoms of high blood pressure, if high blood pressure is left untreated, it could lead to heart attack or stroke....

Neurotherapy helps people improve brain functions using technological devices. Drug-free neurotechnologies modify brain activity without medication. Most neurotherapy techniques are non-invasive, painless, and safe when administered by a trained professional in a clinical setting. Neurotherapy technology and methods aren’t set in stone. Because neurotechnology is constantly evolving and still in the experimental stage, treatments and procedures are also ever-changing. Read on to learn more about this therapeutic technique. Conditions Treated Neurotherapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, such as:...

It’s normal to have trouble coping with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Trying to understand the disease, your treatment options, the financial aspects, and the changes it forces on your life can leave you confused and not sure where to even start. As difficult as it all is to handle, you can find ways to cope with everything you’re now facing because of your illness. Emotional Coping People have all kinds of different emotional reactions to having pancreatic cancer....

The diagnosis of pancreatic cancer relies on several tools. A medical history focused on symptoms and risk factors, along with a physical exam, is the first step. Imaging tests, which may include a specialized abdominal CT scan, endoscopic ultrasound, MRI, and/or ERCP, can visualize the tumor. Blood tests can help identify the causes of jaundice and may detect tumor markers. Depending on the preliminary findings, a biopsy may or may not be needed before surgery....

A peak flow meter is a portable device that measures your peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)—that is, how quickly your lungs expel air during a forceful exhalation after you fully inhale. Regularly conducting a peak flow test at home and tracking the results can help you monitor your breathing status and respiratory disease. In particular, knowing your normal peak flow rate—and detecting when you are not achieving it—can be an important part of your asthma treatment and asthma action plan....

Retainers keep your teeth in place after straightening with braces, aligners, or other devices. Oral healthcare providers, such as orthodontists, can also use retainers to improve your bite, move one or two teeth, or help you speak more clearly. Here’s a look at different types of retainers, their cost, and their pros and cons. Removable Retainers Removable retainers are retainers that you take in and out yourself. Healthcare providers use them most often on the upper front teeth....

Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by significant developmental and intellectual disability, movement problems, seizures, sleep irregularities, and an atypically happy demeanor. Once referred to as “happy puppet syndrome” (a term now considered a pejorative), the condition affects one of every 15,000 births, according to the non-profit Angelman Syndrome Foundation. While children with Angelman syndrome will have distinctive features and symptoms, the condition is usually only recognized when the child is six to 12 months old....

Women have been enjoying the benefits of the birth control pill since the first one was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 9, 1960. When used as directed, the pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Most women can safely use birth control pills. However, as with all medications, they do have possible side effects and risks. Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of using oral contraceptives, including common side effects....

If you’ve needed to have your cholesterol tested, you may have heard of very low-density lipoprotein (usually abbreviated as VLDL). VLDL is a type of lipoprotein made by your liver, and it is considered one of the types of “bad” cholesterol. Though your VLDL isn’t the most important measure of your cardiovascular health, it may be worth understanding how it fits into your total health picture. What Is VLDL? To understand VLDL, it’s helpful to get a broader sense of how cholesterol and triglycerides (components of fats) are moved around in the body....

Anthrax is usually an infection of the skin caused by specific bacteria that grow in soil. Anthrax is rare in humans and is more often found in cattle, sheep, and goats. People who work with these animals are at risk for infection and can benefit from vaccination. This article discusses anthrax, its current vaccination recommendations, and the history of anthrax vaccination for military troops. What Is Anthrax? Anthrax is a rare disease caused by a bacteria called Bacillus anthracis that lives in the soil....

There are a wide range of back pain causes. They include acute conditions like a common muscle strain or chronic, more serious issues like scoliosis or even cancer. Getting back pain relief starts with figuring out which cause is at play so treatment can be tailored accordingly. Many back pain causes resolve in a few days or weeks with rest, over-the-counter medication, and other relatively simple measures. More severe causes may require ongoing care and treatment, including surgery for conditions including sciatica....

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection for women ages 15–44. It occurs from an imbalance of the “good” and “bad” bacteria that usually live in the vagina. The most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis is a “fishy” foul-smelling discharge. Bacterial vaginosis does not cause bumps, rashes, or lesions (sores). If you are experiencing these symptoms, you could have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and should see a healthcare provider....

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are benign (noncancerous) tumors made of uterine muscle and other tissues. Fibroids are usually found in or around the uterus and sometimes the cervix. Fibroids are common—up to 80% of people with a uterus will have fibroids at some point during their childbearing years. Fibroids are one factor that can affect your fertility or potential infertility, but certain types of fibroids can affect fertility differently. There are three types of fibroids, based on where they are found: Subserosal: Found in the outer wall of the uterus Intramural: Found in the muscular layers of the uterine wall Submucosal: Found in the inner lining of the uterus and may protrude into the uterine cavity This article will discuss when and how fibroids may cause infertility, how fibroids are treated, and the outlook for pregnancy if you have fibroids....

For help with sleep, some people with insomnia turn to an herb called kava (Piper methysticum). Most commonly used as a natural remedy for anxiety, kava is thought to promote sleep by producing a calming effect on the mind and body. This article takes a closer look at health claims about kava and explores the potential benefits and risks of this popular herbal remedy. How Kava Works Kava, also known as kava kava, is rich in kavalactones, chemicals that can have a sedative (sleep-inducing) effect....