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Ulcerative colitis has symptoms similar to many other digestive conditions, which can make diagnosis challenging. Because treatment is needed to induce remission and to prevent the disease from worsening, getting an accurate and timely diagnosis is important. Gastroenterologists may use a variety of tests in order to understand what’s going on with a patient who is suspected of having ulcerative colitis, but it is typically a colonoscopy with biopsies that is used to make the diagnosis....

Isoflavones are plant-based compounds found almost exclusively in beans, like soybeans, that mimic the action of the hormone estrogen. They may be useful in alleviating menopause symptoms or preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Foods rich in isoflavones may offer other health benefits in that they are both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant (meaning they prevent damage to a cell’s DNA). Some studies have even suggested that isoflavones may help prevent heart disease or have cancer-fighting properties....

The isthmus is a bridge of tissues that connects the two lobes of the thyroid gland, located on either side of the windpipe at the front of the neck. Just 2 to 9% of thyroid cancers are found in the isthmus, but cancers in this area are more likely to spread outside of the thyroid than cancers found in other parts of the thyroid. A thyroid nodule is a lump found in or on the thyroid....

Jellyfish stings can be painful, itchy, and—in extreme cases—deadly. The sting is caused by a reaction to a protein-based venom. Jellyfish release venom from microscopic stingers on their tentacles called nematocysts. The venom is used to subdue their prey. If your skin comes in contact with jellyfish nematocysts, you will likely feel a burning, stinging, or tingling sensation on your skin. The sting often leaves tentacle impressions that may be red, brown, or purple track marks....

Lung cancer is one of the most commonly occurring kinds of cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women worldwide. Despite its commonality, many people are not well-informed about this deadly disease. This article includes recent statistics and reliable facts about lung cancer—including who’s most at risk, survival rates, and more—and discusses screening, treatment, and common myths. Lung Cancer At-a-Glance According to the World Health Organization, there were 2....

Menopause and hair loss go hand in hand for many women. Studies show slightly more than half of all women experience some degree of menopause-related hair thinning or loss. The words “female” and “woman” are used throughout this article to refer to people who identify as female and have the typical reproductive organs of a cisgender female. We recognize that some people who identify as female do not have the same anatomy as that depicted in this article....

Metastatic (stage 4) HER2-positive breast cancer is not curable—but it is treatable, and options continue to expand and improve. Given the generally aggressive and rapid growth of HER2-positive tumors and the need to uniquely target the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein to be most effective, this is promising. In addition, targeted therapies tend to have far fewer side effects than chemotherapy drugs. The HER2-positive breast cancer treatment that is right for you will depend on several factors, including whether your tumor is also estrogen-receptor positive, where the cancer has metastasized to, and what treatment you received in the past if you were previously HER2-positive....

The myriad ways that exist for classifying and describing cervical spine, or neck, pain is part of the reason neck pain treatments vary. The various classifications factor in signs and symptoms, anatomical changes in specific parts of the spinal structures (whether they arise from wear and tear, genes, or trauma), and if your spinal nerves have been affected. Not only that, but the label for a particular type of neck pain may be a composite of two or more “official” classifications....

Pancreatic pseudocysts result from pancreatitis or from abdominal trauma. Small pseudocysts may not cause any problems at all, but others require medical intervention. Your healthcare provider can help you decide what sort of treatment (if any) is needed. What Is It? The pancreas is an organ in the upper abdomen that produces many important hormones and digestive enzymes. When the pancreas is injured in some way, some of these digestive enzymes may leak from specialized ducts into the main portion of the pancreas....

A blood potassium test is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests and may be done for a wide variety of medical conditions. As an electrolyte that is critical in muscle contraction and nerve conduction, both elevated and decreased levels can be very serious. We will look at the reasons why your healthcare provider may recommend this test, the normal range in adults and children, potential causes of high (hyperkalemia) or low (hypokalemia) levels, and what further testing may be recommended depending upon your results....

Progesterone is a sex hormone that plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and in pregnancy. It’s also responsible for breast development and preparing the body for breastfeeding. Progesterone keeps a balance with estrogen, the other primary sex hormone in those assigned female at birth. Progesterone also helps to produce testosterone, the primary sex hormone in males. This article will explore progesterone’s functions, cycles, and supplemental forms. Where It’s Made In males and females, a small amount of progesterone is made in the adrenal glands, which release hormones for a variety of bodily functions....

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) typically affects the joints of the small bones of the hands and the lining of joints throughout the body. Affected joints will become painful, red, and swollen, and over time, ongoing inflammation may cause joints to become deformed and damaged. Because RA is a systemic and progressive disease, it can lead to inflammation that can wreak havoc on major organs, including the kidneys. The effects RA can have on your kidneys can be far-reaching and sometimes life-threatening....

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known for causing severe and debilitating fatigue. RA fatigue is more than just being tired. This type of fatigue makes a person feel drained and out of energy and can toll on the body and mind. RA is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects many joints throughout the body, especially the hands and feet. RA is also an autoimmune disease where the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body’s healthy tissues....

“Rhinorrhea” is another word for a runny nose. This refers to the clear or thick discharge that comes from the nose. Rhinorrhea may be caused by allergies, an infection, or other factors. This article covers the symptoms and top causes of rhinorrhea. It also discusses treatment for a runny nose and when to see a healthcare provider for your symptoms. Symptoms of Rhinorrhea Typically, rhinorrhea is a symptom of a health problem (like a cold) or an environmental trigger that is causing a runny nose (like allergies)....

What Is Sudafed 12 Hour? Sudafed 12 Hour (pseudoephedrine) is a decongestant medication. Decongestant drugs cause the mucous membranes in nasal passages to contract, which decreases swelling and secretion of mucus. The main ingredient in Sudafed 12 Hour is called pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine works by shrinking swollen nasal passages and reducing swelling and stuffy nose (congestion). It helps open up the nasal airways and drain the sinuses. Pseudoephedrine is typically available over-the-counter (OTC)....

The superior mesenteric vein (SMV) is a large blood vessel in the abdomen. Its function is to drain blood from the small intestine as well as the first sections of the large intestine and other digestive organs. This large vein receives blood from several other veins (tributaries) in the digestive tract. It lies to the right of the superior mesenteric artery. Nutrients absorbed from the small intestine are carried in the blood and through the SMV to the hepatic portal vein and then into the liver....

A swollen uvula, also known as uvulitis, occurs when the uvula (the bell-shaped organ hanging from your soft palate at the back of the mouth) becomes inflamed. This can happen because of an infection, allergic reaction, irritation, or illness. Uvulitis can usually be treated with at-home remedies or medication. The uvula contains many salivary glands, helping to keep the airway moist, and plays a role in speech and the sounds of snoring....

Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are less common in children than adults but occur more frequently than one might imagine. According to 2011 research published in the medical journal Ulcers, as many as 8.1% of children in Europe and 17.4% in the United States will experience a stomach ulcer before the age of 18. Stomach ulcers are frequently caused by a bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), but they are sometimes associated with a more serious disease, such as cancer....

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are serious side effects that can develop after taking certain antipsychotic medications. They can affect your motor control and coordination. EPS can take several forms, including tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia causes uncontrollable facial movements. It develops after long-term use of certain psychiatric medications that block the neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) dopamine, which plays a role in pleasure and movement. Typical onset of symptoms is about three months after starting the medication....

Traveling nurses expect a learning curve—they are always stepping into new hospitals, with different protocols, and coworkers to get to know. Change is the norm, but they adapt—even thrive. Key Takeaways During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, nurses find themselves overextended with patient loads and staffing shortages.Among the many challenges ICU nurses face are standing in for family as patients are dying from COVID-19 and inadequate access to personal protective equipment (PPE)....