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There are many potential causes of a cut in your mouth—and it can be caused by something internal (such as biting your cheek) or external (such as a dental procedure). While most mouth cuts require minimal treatment, some are serious and require emergency care. Direct trauma to the face, deep lacerations to the inner cheek, gums, or tongue, and related dental injuries may require treatment. Minor Injuries If you experience a cut in your mouth, the first course of action is to stop the bleeding....

Hyperlipidemia is a common condition that occurs when there are too many fats (called lipids) in your blood. Cholesterol and triglycerides are two types of fat that can build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing your chances of heart disease, stroke, or other health issues. Many different factors can increase your chances of developing hyperlipidemia. While some can’t be helped (your family history, for instance), others can be controlled, like diet and exercise....

An insulin pump is a small wearable electronic device that helps regulate insulin and blood glucose (sugar) levels. Insulin is delivered from the pump through a thin plastic tube (catheter) and a small needle into the fatty tissue under the skin. This article discusses what an insulin pump is, how it works, the different types of it that are available, and the advantages and disadvantages of using one. What Is an Insulin Pump?...

A nodule is a general term for a growth or lump that can be found just underneath the skin or in organs, such as thyroid and lungs. While most nodules are harmless, some can be caused by other health conditions or be cancerous. Find out more about the causes, types, symptoms, when to see a healthcare provider and treatment for nodules. Causes The Journal of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association defines skin nodules as palpable, solid lesions that are greater than 10 millimeters (less than half an inch) in diameter....

What are olfactory disorders? What are the causes of dysosmia (a distortion in the sense of smell) and why do they occur? Why is this so important? Olfaction and the Importance of Our Sense of Smell It would be hard to imagine living life without experiencing the smell of a rose, or the taste of morning coffee. Olfaction, our sense of smell, plays a significant role in almost everyone’s life....

Pelvic pain during pregnancy can be a normal part of adjusting to physical changes in the abdomen and pelvis, or even Braxton Hicks contractions. But since it can also be a sign of an ovarian cyst, infection, or early labor, you should always tell your healthcare provider about it. About 41% to 78% of pregnant people experience pelvic pain. The suspected causes of pelvic pain during pregnancy can be different depending on how far along you are....

Often called bedsores, decubitus ulcers or pressure ulcers, pressure sores are areas of damaged skin that result from too much pressure or weight on the area. The damage can be on the surface or go deep down, even into the muscle and bone. Areas of the body at particular risk for skin breakdown include the buttocks, coccyx, heels, ankles, shoulder blades, back, and sides of the head, ears, elbows, and hips....

Propolis is a mixture of pollen and beeswax collected by bees from certain plants and trees. Rich in flavonoids, a class of antioxidants, propolis has a long history of use as a natural treatment for many health problems, but more research is needed in humans to support its use. Although found in small quantities in honey, propolis is also widely available in supplement form. For example, propolis is used as an ingredient in certain products applied directly to the skin, such as ointments and creams....

Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease in which tissue deep in the lungs becomes scarred, making the tissue thick and stiff, which causes shortness of breath and makes it harder for your blood to get enough oxygen. The exact causes of pulmonary fibrosis are often unknown, but some of the risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis are the same for severe illness from COVID-19. There is evidence to show that pulmonary fibrosis increases risk and susceptibility to COVID-19, and vice versa, though time will tell how prevalent COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis is....

Arthritis refers to any disorder that affects the joints. Arthritis affects nearly 25% of the U.S. population and, along with related rheumatological conditions, it is suspected to be the leading cause of disability among U.S. adults. The most common forms include osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, and gout. This article focuses on how to identify the differences between the many forms of arthritis, including OA and RA. Terms to Know When discussing different forms of arthritis, it’s important to have an understanding of some of the more commonly used terms and phrases....

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that impacts a person’s joints and other parts of the body. Living with this painful inflammatory condition can be challenging. Fortunately, there are organizations working to promote RA awareness. Key annual milestones like Rheumatoid Awareness Day and Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month help put this chronic disease—which affects more than 1 million people in the United States—on the map. Remember, you don’t have to be a community activist or politician to get involved and spread the word about RA....

Everyone experiences stomach discomfort from time to time. However, if you frequently feel unwell after eating, you may have a sensitive stomach. A sensitive stomach can cause unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhea after eating. This article discusses the causes of a sensitive stomach and how to resolve your digestive issues. Symptoms Signs and symptoms of a sensitive stomach include: Nausea Heartburn Vomiting Mild abdominal pain or bloating Indigestion Diarrhea Gas Constipation Acid reflux Symptoms can be managed at home without medical treatment....

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that allow nerves to communicate with each other or with other structures in your body. Two common neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, act on similar parts of the body but have different effects. This article discusses dopamine and serotonin functions, as well as the similarities and differences between these two neurotransmitters. Differences Between Serotonin and Dopamine Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a neurotransmitter that is produced in the part of your brain stem called the Raphe nuclei, as well your digestive tract....

Shilajit is one of many herb and mineral formulations used in Ayurveda, a healing system that originated thousands of years ago in India. Shilajit has been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat a wide variety of conditions. It contains an important compound known as fulvic acid and is rich in minerals. Shilajit, a blackish-brownish resin, comes from layers of rock found in several mountain ranges worldwide, including the Himalayan, Tibetan, and Altai mountains....

About 1.3 million women enter menopause each year. Every woman will reach this phase at some point—usually around age 51. You have reached menopause if it has been one year since your final menstrual period. The hormonal shifts that take place around this time cause a variety of symptoms, with hot flashes, night sweats, and difficulty sleeping ranking among the most common. This article will explore the stages of menopause, and what side effects to expect as you move through this natural process....

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person experiences pauses in their breathing during sleep. These pauses last 10 seconds or longer, and can occur repeatedly throughout the night. This irregular breathing and lack of oxygen leads to a range of symptoms from snoring to daytime sleepiness to depression. It also puts a person at higher risk for other health complications like hypertension, stroke, eye disorders, and even death....

Trauma therapy is a type of mental health treatment to address the effects of extremely stressful events and trauma on a person. There are different types of trauma therapy. One type is somatic therapy, sometimes called somatotherapy. It involves the use of medications, low-dose electric currents, or other physical interventions that directly impact the body. Somatic experiencing, or somatic experiencing therapy, is a type of somatic trauma therapy. It is a treatment that focuses on physical sensations in the body, or how the body feels....

In early pregnancy, your breasts may feel tender, heavy, tingly, or sore thanks to a rush of hormones beginning to prepare your body to produce milk. While the entire breast may be sore, the nipples may hurt the most—or at least be the most sensitive. Breast soreness during this time may be greater than what you may usually experience just before your period. These symptoms may go away as your body acclimates to your pregnancy....

What Is Symtuza? Symtuza is a combination drug that comes in a single-tablet regimen used to treat HIV infection. It is an antiretroviral made up of the drug classes of protease inhibitors, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and cytochrome P450 (CYP450 )inhibitors. This drug contains the following as active ingredients: DarunavirCobicistatEmtricitabineTenofovir alafenamide Darunavir, a protease inhibitor, targets and attaches to a specific part of the HIV protease, inhibiting its activity and stopping the maturation of HIV cells....

The inner ear is the innermost part of the ear that plays an important role in hearing and balance. The inner ear consists of tiny bony structures filled with fluid. As sound waves travel from the outer to the inner ear, they create waves in the fluid of the inner ear, which in turn moves the tiny hairs in the ear that send sound or movement signals to the brain....