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Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) levels are less than or equal to 70 mg/dL and certain symptoms are present. It can be caused by a number of factors, depending on whether or not you also have diabetes. Here’s what you need to know about the causes and risk factors of hypoglycemia: Causes: People With Diabetes If you have diabetes and take insulin or oral medications that stimulate insulin secretion, there are a number of factors that can cause hypoglycemia, including the following....

The causes of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are unclear. Despite extensive research, experts haven’t been able to pin the disease on any one factor, and some believe the condition could result from multiple factors coming together under the right conditions. These factors may include: Genetic predisposition A virus or other infection Immune system abnormalities Stressful conditions Central nervous system (CNS) and hormone abnormalities Exposure to toxins Not everyone with chronic fatigue syndrome has all of these factors....

Cramps during pregnancy may make you anxious and worried, especially if it’s your first pregnancy. Rest assured, cramps can be normal as your body goes through changes during pregnancy, especially at the beginning. Mild cramps that go away after you change position, rest, or use the bathroom are generally not a cause for concern. However, persistent and severe cramps could signal a problem, such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Learn how to tell the difference between normal and abnormal cramps and when you should call your healthcare provider....

The lifespan of a condom is between one and five years, depending on the material it is made from and the conditions under which it is stored. Many make the mistake of using condoms past their expiration date, but doing so may mean that you are not getting the protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy that you expect. Why do Condoms Expire? Most health and medical products have an expiration date, and condoms are no exception....

Members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP), a group that advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have been meeting regularly to talk about COVID-19 vaccines. Key Takeaways Side effects are expected with many vaccines. Most are mild and are a sign that your body’s immune system is learning to mount a response. Mild side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are common and not serious. A small number of people may experience more serious side effects, including allergic reactions....

A comprehensive eye exam, also sometimes called a routine eye exam, consists of a series of tests to measure how well you can see and to look for any problems that might be affecting the overall health of your eyes. These can include ophthalmologic conditions, such as cataracts, but also unrelated medical issues that cause symptoms that affect the structures of the eyes, such as diabetes. It can be done by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist, depending on if there are any specific things about your eyes that need to be addressed....

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where excess fat is stored in the liver, but the cause is not alcohol. When fatty liver is caused by heavy alcohol use, it is called alcohol-associated liver disease. There are two types of NAFLD. When you just have excess fat stored in your liver, it is referred to as nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). When there is both fat storage and inflammation leading to liver damage, it is referred to as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)....

What Is Focalin? Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) is a Schedule II controlled substance. It belongs to the drug class known as central nervous system stimulants. Dexmethylphenidate is a prescription drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is approved for use in people 6 years and older. It is available as immediate-release (IR) tablets and extended-release (ER) capsules. Dexmethylphenidate increases the level of certain chemicals (norepinephrine and dopamine) in the brain, which helps with behavior, attention, and focus....

Fungal infections on the face and lips occur when Candida albicans, yeast that naturally resides on the skin, starts to overgrow. Yeast infections on the face are relatively uncommon, but can occur when your immune system is suppressed by illness, infection, or medications. Candida albicans is the same yeast that causes oral and vaginal yeast infections. When the face is affected, the infection is known as cutaneous candidiasis. This article describe what a fungal infection on the face looks like as well as the possible causes, complications, and risk factors....

Gingivitis is a reversible form of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque on the tooth’s surface. It causes non-destructive inflammation of the gums but, if left untreated, can progress to a more serious form of the disease called periodontitis. Regular oral hygiene, including periodic visits to the dentist, is the best means of prevention. Studies suggest that more than half of adults in the United States have gingivitis. Because of this, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of gingivitis and to seek treatment to protect your teeth and overall health....

High triglycerides, or hypertriglyceridemia, is a medical condition in which there is too much of a certain type of fat called triglycerides in the blood. Triglycerides play a key role in metabolism, the process by which your body turns food and drink into energy. Calories that aren’t used right away are stored in fat cells as triglycerides so they can later be called upon when energy is needed. High triglyceride levels occur when more of these fats build up in the bloodstream than are burned off....

The diagnosis of a sinus infection (sinusitis) is usually based on symptoms and a physical exam. If your symptoms don’t improve with treatment, you may need X-rays or a CT scan. Sometimes a sample of sinus fluid may be taken for microscopic exam and culture (growing the sample in a lab to identify the infectious organism). Though not all sinus infections require treatment, early diagnosis and treatment (if necessary) can help you feel better sooner and potentially prevent the infection from progressing....

Coughing is how your body clears the lungs of dust and other irritants. Sometimes, though, a cough can mean something more. If you have a frequent cough that produces mucus, a slippery liquid, and it has been going on for weeks or even years, you should call your doctor. A frequent productive cough is a primary symptom of chronic bronchitis, a condition where the tubes that bring air to your lungs become inflamed....

Down syndrome (trisomy 21) isn’t a disease or condition that can be managed or cured with medication or surgery. The goal of treatment, therefore, is not to address the disorder itself, but rather the variety of health issues, medical conditions, and physical, developmental, and intellectual challenges that people with Down syndrome may experience throughout their lives. Options can range from physical therapy and early intervention to assistive devices, medications, and even surgeries....

The COVID-19 pandemic is on everyone’s mind. In the U.S., in particular, there is heightened concern about how health insurance plans will cover necessary medical care. Because the American healthcare system is made up of a patchwork of different health plans, there’s no single answer to that question. But we can take a look at some of the most common types of coverage people have, and address the rules that apply to those plans....

Medicare assignment is an agreement between Medicare and medical providers (doctors, hospitals, medical equipment suppliers, etc.) in which the provider agrees to accept Medicare’s fee schedule as payment in full when Medicare patients are treated. This article will explain how Medicare assignment works, and what you need to know in order to ensure that you won’t receive unexpected bills. Medicare Assignment There are 35 million Americans who have Original Medicare. Medicare is a federal program and most medical providers throughout the country accept assignment with Medicare....

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a disorder or impairment in the ability to swallow. In oropharyngeal dysphagia, swallowing both liquids and solids can be disrupted, which can impact the ability to eat and drink. If you or a loved one suspects difficulties with swallowing, you should seek care from your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Dysfunctional swallowing caused by dysphagia can have serious consequences, including an increased risk of damage to the lungs, infection, and even malnutrition....

Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) can be challenging. Studies show pain with sex may affect as many as 22% of sexually active women. The cause of this condition can vary widely and may include infection, disease, certain medications, age-related changes, or psychological stressors. Speak with your healthcare provider if you experience regular painful intercourse so you can understand what might be causing your symptoms. This article discusses the common symptoms and causes of painful intercourse....

Penicillin G (penicillin G potassium), is an antibiotic prescribed for the treatment of bacterial infections. It’s used for treating pneumonia, strep throat, staph infection, diphtheria, meningitis, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It may be administered to prevent heart valve infection before dental procedures for people with certain cardiac conditions. Part of a class of antibiotics called “natural penicillins,” Penicillin G acts directly on bacteria in the body and kills these pathogens by weakening their cell walls....

Peptic ulcer disease treatment focuses on reducing acid production that leads to peptic sores and lesions, healing damage to the lining of the stomach or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), and tempering symptoms like pain, gas, and others. This requires both medical and lifestyle approaches. For example, antibiotics are used to treat cases caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Antacids are used to neutralize acid and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be used to suppress it....