Posts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 8.5 million Americans have undiagnosed diabetes. Type 2 diabetes symptoms can come on gradually over time. Because of this, you might not notice symptoms at first. This article discusses 10 early signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes to watch out for. Once you start to notice these signs, take steps to see a healthcare provider and get tested. Need to Urinate Frequently Polyuria, or the need to urinate frequently, is a classic symptom of diabetes....

When referring to herpes, most people think of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that causes an outbreak of painful sores on the genitals (sex organs). But, herpes can also affect the anus, leading to anal herpes. Like genital herpes, anal herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Anal herpes is usually transmitted by anal sex but, in some cases, can also be transmitted through oral sex. Studies have shown that most people who get HSV will not develop symptoms (or have only mild symptoms) but can still pass the virus to others without knowing it....

Asthma is a chronic condition of the airways in the lungs. Diagnosing asthma in babies is nearly impossible because of their small size, which makes it difficult to measure their lung function. Also, symptoms like coughing and wheezing may be related to the baby’s environment or caused by other illnesses. Fortunately, children with asthma can have normal growth and development. This article outlines some of the symptoms of asthma, conditions that mimic asthma, causes, diagnosis, and possible treatments....

No one can tell someone everything there is to know about autism. That’s because autism is a complex neurological condition that requires intervention in many aspects of daily life, and every person with autism is unique. Because it is so complex, there may be a need to build an entire team of “autism experts” to help navigate the many challenges and opportunities autistic children and their families experience over time. Strategic personal decisions about what kinds of experts are most relevant and helpful in one’s particular situation also must be made....

The primary symptoms of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) include back pain, fatigue, joint pain, heel pain, sleep problems, and abdominal pain. Symptoms vary from person to person, but for many the first symptom is a gradual onset of pain in the lower back and hips, especially after periods of inactivity, such as sleeping. This article discusses the common and rarer symptoms of axial spondyloarthritis, as well as its complications. Frequent Symptoms AxSpA symptoms are caused by autoimmune and inflammatory activity in the body....

A bone density test measures the amount of calcium and minerals in the bones to determine how likely they are to break (fracture). Also called a bone mineral density test (BMD), a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry test (DEXA scan), or a peripheral screening test, a bone density scan checks the hips, spine, forearms, heel, or finger for signs of decreased bone mass. A bone density test gives a value called a T-score that helps providers diagnose decreased bone mass (osteopenia) and weak, brittle bones that are at the highest risk of breaking (osteoporosis)....

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health disorder that is characterized by ongoing patterns of changing moods, behaviors, and self-image. When a person has BPD, they often experience periods of intense feelings of anger, anxiety, or depression that can last for a few hours or a few days. The mood swings experienced by people with BPD can lead to issues with impulsive behavior and can contribute to relationship problems....

Carcinogens are substances or exposures that can cause cancer. Examples include home and workplace chemicals, environmental or medical radiation, smoke, and even some viruses and medications. While it’s impossible to eliminate carcinogen exposure, you can and should take steps to reduce what you come in contact with. This article explores common carcinogens, the research process involved in identifying them (and what that means for you), and steps you can take to limit your exposure....

Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms can manifest in many ways, but they usually have a big impact on a person’s quality of life. To manage their symptoms, some people with MS turn to cannabidiol, or CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. Scientists are still researching the benefits of CBD for people with MS, but early indications show that CBD might help control some MS symptoms, such as pain and muscle stiffness....

Coronary artery disease (CAD) does not usually cause symptoms until it becomes advanced. Subtle symptoms can include dizziness, indigestion-like sensations, fatigue, and lack of energy. More noticeable symptoms of CAD include shortness of breath and chest pain. These are all warning signs of a heart attack and you should seek medical attention if you have any of the signs or symptoms of CAD. Frequent Symptoms In general, symptoms of CAD are related to narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart, which can intermittently prevent the heart muscle from receiving optimal blood supply....

What Is Fetzima? Fetzima (levomilnacipran) is a medication option for the treatment of depression. Fetzima is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). As an SNRI, Fetzima works by increasing the amounts of the naturally occurring brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. Fetzima is available as a prescription capsule. What Is Fetzima Used For? Fetzima treats depression. Drug Facts Generic Name: Levomilnacipran Millions of people in the United States have experienced depression. Symptoms of depression include:...

Overview Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a chronic pain condition that’s most often diagnosed in women of child-bearing age or older. However, anyone can get it — and that includes kids and teenagers. In kids, this illness is called juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome (JFMS). You might also come across juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome. “Primary,” in that context, means that it doesn’t accompany another rheumatologic illness such as arthritis or lupus. If it does accompany another such illness, the fibromyalgia is called “secondary....

After undergoing joint replacement surgery, such as hip replacement surgery or knee replacement surgery, there will be a number of follow-up appointments with your orthopedic surgeon to ensure that your recovery is proceeding as anticipated. While most people are interested in the actual surgical procedure, the vast majority of your appointments with your surgeon will be during this postoperative recovery process. These follow up appointments may continue for years, or even decades, depending on your surgeon’s preference....

Headaches and stomach aches commonly occur in children. Fortunately, whether due to anxiety, an illness, or simply not enough sleep, symptoms of these conditions are usually easy to treat. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for a headache and stomach ache in a child. What Are the Causes of a Headache and Stomach Ache in a Child? From daily stress to an undiagnosed condition, there are many possible reasons for your child’s headache and stomach ache....

Pancreatitis is swelling or inflammation of the pancreas. It’s very painful and can be fatal in severe cases. If your pain starts suddenly and lasts for a few days, you have an acute form of pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis requires immediate hospital attention, and should not be treated at home. If your pain is long-lasting and occurs over many years, you have the chronic form. While there is no cure for chronic pancreatitis, lifestyle changes and natural remedies can help you manage your symptoms and prevent flare-ups....

Hypoglycemia can be diagnosed when a person’s blood sugar falls lower than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Blood sugar that falls lower than 54 mg/dL is considered severely low and may make you faint, so you will need medical attention right away. Untreated hypoglycemia can be dangerous. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and are experiencing hypoglycemia, your treatment plan may need to be adjusted. If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia and have never been diagnosed with diabetes, your healthcare provider will need to find the cause....

An intraductal papilloma is a type of benign (noncancerous) growth of the breast. Papillomas occur in the cells lining the milk duct (intraductal) and grow outward like a wart. The word papilloma describes the finger-like shape of the cells. Intraductal papillomas usually grow close to the nipple, but they can be found anywhere in the duct system of the breast. Sometimes papillomas will cause nipple discharge. Discharge is bloody or clear fluid coming out of the breast....

What Is Jantoven? Jantoven, a brand of warfarin, is an oral tablet that is only available with a prescription. Warfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner), which essentially lessens the creation of certain proteins responsible for adding clotting factors to your blood. A clot that has formed in the blood can travel to different parts of your body, such as your brain, legs, or lungs. Blood clots can potentially result in a stroke, heart attack, and even death....

Lice and dandruff look somewhat similar, but have key differences that can help set them apart. For one, dandruff is on the scalp itself and falls off easily, while nits (lice eggs) stick to strands of hair and are hard to remove. While both can be itchy, lice can cause severe itching. Head lice, also known as pediculus humanus capitis, are parasitic insects that live and lay eggs on the scalp....

Osteoporosis can lead to complications impacting a person’s quality of life by making it harder to do certain activities. Complications include fractures and broken bones, pain, issues with posture, and limited mobility. A person with osteoporosis may withdraw from regular social contact and feel depressed. This article discusses osteoporosis symptoms and complications. It also addresses related complications, such as kyphosis, treatments for osteoporosis, and the long-term outlook for living with this condition....