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Coffee is a favorite pick-me-up enjoyed by people around the world. It’s well known that a cup of coffee can give you energy, but research shows that it may have other health benefits, too. According to a 2015 article published in Circulation, people who drink 1 to 5 cups of coffee per day may be less likely to die from certain cancers, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more. This article takes a closer look at the relationship between coffee and stroke risk....

A colposcopy is an in-office diagnostic procedure used to examine the inside of the vagina, vulva, and cervix. It is performed similar to a Pap smear but uses an illuminated magnifying instrument (colposcope) to look for cell changes, growths, and inflammation. You may need a colposcopy to investigate your symptoms or as a follow-up evaluation after an abnormal pelvic exam or Pap smear. During a colposcopy, your healthcare provider may also take a tissue sample (biopsy) for further examination....

Cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations (CFPExs) are generally defined as a sudden decrease in lung function accompanied by a change in symptoms. Pulmonary exacerbations (PExs) are linked to worsening lung function, low quality of life, increased hospitalizations, and shorter life expectancy in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Symptoms include coughing, mucus production, and shortness of breath. Lung infections are believed to be the most common cause. Even though declining lung function accurately describes PExs, there is no universal definition of the condition....

Diverticula are small pockets that can form in the colon (large intestine) in areas of intestinal wall weakness. They don’t cause symptoms but they can become infected and/or inflamed. This condition is called diverticulitis. The most common symptom of diverticulitis is left-sided abdominal pain, but it can also cause a change in bowel habits, fever, and nausea or vomiting. Even with symptoms, most cases of diverticulitis can be treated at home....

As endometrial lesions (implants) from endometriosis (endo) grow and bleed, they cause inflammation and pain. The nerves around the implant can get entrapped, inflamed, or irritated. When endo affects nerves in the pelvis (between the hips), it can cause discomfort and hip pain. This article reviews how endometriosis affects the nerves and causes hip pain, the timing of hip pain throughout the menstrual cycle, and tips for pain relief from endometriosis....

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) often require more calories per day than those without the disease and commonly have problems with digestion and absorption of nutrients. Malnutrition (lack of proper nutrition) is a common complication of the condition and can lead to weight loss, poorer outcomes, and a reduced quality of life. While some people with CF can address their nutritional needs with medications such as pancreatic enzyme supplements, others may require a feeding tube....

A bruise describes localized bleeding from smaller blood vessels, which typically doesn’t require treatment. A hematoma is a pooling of blood due to larger blood vessel leakage, which might need draining. Both occur due to trauma to a blood vessel. Comparing the appearance and symptoms of a bruise vs. a hematoma helps set them apart. For example, bruises are flat and tender to the touch. Hematomas are raised, hard, and painful....

Hyaluronic acid (HA) injection, also known as intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection, involves using a needle to inject a gel-like substance between the bones of the joints. The idea is to replace the naturally occurring hyaluronic aid that is depleted as cartilage wears down with time or after an injury—the most common causes of osteoarthritis (OA). Also known as viscosupplementation, treating knee arthritis with HA injections aims to improve lubrication within the joint in order reduce pain and improve ease and range of motion....

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a relatively common condition in which the heart muscle becomes thick and unable to pump blood normally. Most people with HCM do not have symptoms or find the condition interferes with daily life. People with symptomatic HCM typically experience shortness of breath, chest pain, and abnormal heart rhythms. Imaging tests are required to detect hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Once diagnosed, HCM can be managed (but not cured) with lifestyle measures and medication....

The question “is fibromyalgia hereditary” comes up a lot because of how common it is for this pain condition to run in families. If you have fibromyalgia, you may worry about passing it on to your children, or you may wonder if you’ll have it because your mother or several other family members do. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that features abnormal types of pain, extreme fatigue, disturbed sleep, cognitive dysfunction (“fibro fog”), and dozens of other possible symptoms....

What Is Librax? Librax (chlordiazepoxide and clidinium) is an oral capsule used to treat the emotional and physical symptoms of certain intestinal disorders. It contains both chlordiazepoxide and clidinium bromide. Chlordiazepoxide is in the benzodiazepine drug class, while clidinium bromide is an anticholinergic medication. Librax may also be used with another medication (adjunctive therapy) to treat stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Chlordiazepoxide acts similarly to other medications in the benzodiazepine drug class....

Lower right back pain has many potential causes. Muscles, bones, discs, spinal nerves, internal organs, or underlying illness can directly or indirectly cause lower back pain. Common causes of lower back pain on the right side only can be minor problems like a pulled muscle or a misaligned spine. Lower right back pain can also indicate more urgent conditions, like kidney stones or spinal stenosis. While dealing with any type of back pain is frustrating, pain in your lower right back is usually not serious and can be treated at home....

Life during a global pandemic is not easy, especially if you have a chronic medical condition like Crohn’s disease. It is important to manage flare-ups with the help of your healthcare team, through regular visits or by utilizing telemedicine. Despite the challenging times, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle or get back on track if you aren’t where you want to be. However, you must follow your healthcare team’s recommendations for the best outcomes, even during a pandemic....

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), also known as multiorgan failure, is a disorder in which two or more organ systems are not working correctly, usually because of a complex cascade of events initiated by an illness, injury, or severe infection. MODS is a severe illness in which someone can die if the dysfunction is not treated immediately. Due to a high risk of death, people with MODS are typically cared for in an intensive care unit where healthcare providers can potentially reverse the organ damage....

A torn or ruptured pectoralis muscle can limit your ability to engage in normal work and recreational activities. It can limit arm use, and may cause significant pain. If you have ruptured or torn your pectoralis major muscle in your chest, you may benefit from physical therapy (PT) to help you recover. You may experience pain, limited shoulder motion, and difficulty using your arm normally. Your physical therapist can assess your condition and offer the right strategies and treatments to help you fully recover....

Like all types of fibroids, pedunculated fibroids develop out of the muscle of the uterus. Fibroids are typically round formations of muscle fiber. In the case of pedunculated fibroids, the round nodule is attached to the uterus by a stem known as the peduncle. Pedunculated fibroids are any fibroids that have a peduncle, or stem. However, these fibroids are further broken down into types of fibroids based on where around the uterus they occur:...

A total ankle replacement surgery (also known as a total ankle arthroplasty) can benefit people with chronic ankle pain or disability. Following this operation, physical therapy (PT) typically plays an important role in helping you recover the function in your leg. While each person’s situation is unique, most post-operative therapy contains several specific interventions. This article will discuss the purpose of this surgery and explain the rehab protocol typically recommended following the procedure....

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflamed, scaly patches on the skin. Though psoriasis may appear to be a skin disease, it’s systemic and affects the whole body. Psoriasis is associated with other health conditions, including psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects joints and the areas of the body where tendons and ligaments connect to bone. Up to 41% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis....

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease affecting the joints. People with RA experience pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes damage and deformity in their joints. RA can also cause intense fatigue and dysfunction of other organ systems. All of this can be very challenging for a person with RA, limiting them from doing the things they want or need to do. Because of its effect on a person’s quality of life, it is linked to higher rates of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression....

As of November 8, foreign travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are welcome to enter the United States by plane. Key Takeaways As of November 8, fully vaccinated foreign travelers can fly into the United States.Both vaccinated American and foreign travelers need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days of travel. Any unvaccinated travelers need to show proof of a negative test within a day of travel....