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Prescription anti-inflammatory medications are used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever in acute and chronic medical conditions. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (or COX) used by the body to make prostaglandins. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be found as both over-the-counter (OTC) medications and those needing a prescription. Prescription NSAIDs are used for individuals living with arthritis, gout, menstrual cramps, headaches, and aches. Traditional NSAIDs Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most prescribed medications for treating arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis....

Genes hold the to key to explaining how the immune system becomes activated in psoriatic disease, an autoimmune condition that includes two specific inflammatory conditions: psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). When researchers look for genes specific to psoriatic disease, they try to determine what a gene would do normally, and also, how it behaves in a person who has psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. The process is a very tedious one for researchers because they believe more than one gene is associated with psoriatic disease development....

Unless you are trying to get pregnant, you will likely need some form of birth control in your 40s and 50s until you have fully transitioned to menopause. While the same birth control method you used in your 20s and 30s may work just as well beyond those decades, there are some real age-related concerns regarding the use of estrogen-containing birth control in some older women. This doesn’t mean that you should abandon the pill the moment you turn 40 (particularly if you are sexually active), but rather that you work with your healthcare provider to consider the most appropriate birth control options as your body and sexual lifestyle start to change....

Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that is caused by another condition. Several problems that affect the kidneys, endocrine system, and blood vessels can cause secondary hypertension. High blood pressure in a young person or that is very sudden or severe can indicate secondary hypertension. This article discusses the causes, evaluation, and treatment of secondary hypertension. Primary vs. Secondary Hypertension Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, is defined as high blood pressure that is not due to an underlying condition....

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) doesn’t always present with symptoms at the time of diagnosis, but that can change quickly as the disease has a tendency to worsen rapidly. Because it’s a fairly aggressive malignancy, SCLC can have a wide variety of effects on your health and quality of life. Your medical team will work to treat the tumor and help you manage symptoms in an effort to improve your overall sense of well-being....

There is growing evidence that statin drugs used to reduce cholesterol and prevent heart attacks can decrease the risk of death and improve survival times in people with lung cancer. The drugs may also help overcome drug resistance to certain chemotherapy medications, prolonging life in people with advanced disease. Even so, statins are not considered a traditional part of lung cancer treatment, and their effectiveness can vary based on the type and stage of cancer you have....

If you have systemic sclerosis, you may understand how important it is for you to manage the disease properly. Your symptoms may be varied and your treatment options are numerous, so finding the best treatment for your specific condition is important. But what about living well with systemic sclerosis? Are there tips and tricks that you can use to live a full and active lifestyle and to cope well? Are there things you can do to manage your day-to-day life?...

The content of this methodology is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any question you may have regarding dietary supplements. We built Verywell Health to give you expert answers to your health questions. One key piece of that is providing you with research-backed information on products you are considering purchasing to support and improve your health, including dietary supplements....

Transgender women are individuals who were assigned male at birth but who identify as women. Although not all transfeminine individuals have a desire to undergo a medical or surgical gender transition, many do. Often, the first step in a medical gender transition is to begin hormone therapy, also known as gender-affirming hormone therapy. For transgender women, this involves not just the use of estrogen or estradiol but also the use of a testosterone blocker....

Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a diagnostic procedure in which iodine-based contrast material is infused into the bladder using a temporary bladder catheter (or Foley catheter). While being monitored by fluoroscopy and X-rays, you will be asked to void (urinate). The purpose of the VCUG is to assess the bladder and urethra during urination. Purpose of Test The most common reasons for your healthcare provider to order a VCUG are congenital malformations of the urinary tract, recurrent urinary tract infections, difficulty urinating, urinary incontinence, or suspected obstruction the flow of urine....

Precum is a clear fluid that comes out of the penis during arousal but before climax (orgasm). While this fluid is a lubricant and doesn’t contain sperm, there may already be sperm in the urethra that mixes with precum. If precum is released into the vagina, there’s a risk of pregnancy before ejaculation. Precum looks similar to semen—the white fluid that comes out of the penis during an orgasm. In addition to reducing friction during intercourse, precum makes it easier for sperm to leave the body....

What Is Zafirlukast? Zafirlukast is an oral prescription tablet used for the long-term management of asthma. Accolate, the brand version of zafirlukast, is no longer available in the United States. However, the generic form of zafirlukast is available, and the brand formulation is available outside the United States. Zafirlukast controls asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation, edema (fluid), and airway narrowing. It is a selective peptide leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) that binds to the leukotriene receptors in the lungs and prevents their activation....

Biological therapy for cancer is a treatment that is made with substances from living organisms. These substances can help the immune system fight cancer cells in the body. Some forms of biological therapy attack specific cancer cells. Biological therapy can also be used to improve side effects caused by other cancer treatments. Biological therapy for cancer includes immunotherapy and other targeted therapies. It tends to be better tolerated than other cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy....

Bradycardia is a heart rate that’s slower than normal. The medical term means that a person’s resting heart rate is below 60 beats per minute. There are two main types of bradycardia—sinus bradycardia and heart block. Sinus bradycardia is a resting heart rate of under 60 beats per minute that arises from the sinus node, which sets heart rhythm. Sinus bradycardia can be normal for some people, but it may need treatment if it causes symptoms....

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects 11% of school-aged children and an estimated 4.4% of adults. ADHD is characterized by an inability to sit still, trouble focusing, and impulsive behavior. Because cannabis (Cannabis sativa) has been linked to relaxation, many people are curious whether the medicinal herb can be helpful in managing ADHD symptoms. The research on whether cannabis can provide short-term relief of hyperactivity in people with ADHD is mixed....

Heart failure is a chronic condition that, if untreated, typically gets progressively worse over time. With advances in medical technology and more knowledge about how heart failure develops, most people no longer receive one-size-fits-all treatment for heart failure. A combination of aggressive lifestyle changes and medical care aimed at optimizing your cardiac function and minimizing your symptoms can stop heart failure in its tracks and even reverse it. This article will discuss heart failure, how it can be prevented or reversed, and the outlook for people with the condition....

Symptoms of chickenpox include rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, and others. The classic chickenpox rash is red and itchy. It occurs suddenly on the face, scalp, chest, back, and, to a lesser extent, arms and legs. Spots quickly fill with fluid, break open, and turn crusty. The incubation period—meaning the time between exposure and the appearance of chickenpox symptoms—is between 10 to 21 days, with an average of 14 days....

Chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals who manually adjust the spine and use other hands-on therapies to ease pain and support overall health. Back pain, neck pain, and headaches are common reasons that people see a chiropractor. Chiropractic care is a type of complementary medicine. It deals with the relationship between your body’s structure and the way it works. Chiropractors pay special attention to the connection between your spine and nervous system....

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease of the lungs. It’s a progressive and irreversible condition that often causes breathing problems. However, treatment and lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms and slow down the progression. Learn about COPD pathophysiology and how it affects lung function. Lung Structure The chest cavity contains two lungs: one on the right side of the chest and one on the left side. Each lung is composed of different sections called lobes....

Many health plans require members to pay both a deductible and coinsurance if they need various types of medical care. This article will help you understand the difference between deductible and coinsurance, so that you can plan for your potential out-of-pocket costs when you use your health insurance. Deductible and coinsurance are types of health insurance cost-sharing; you pay part of the cost of your health care, and your health plan pays part of the cost of your care....