RSSAilments & Diseases
Respiratory Tract Infections
Respiratory Tract Infections: Guided Tour of Principal Misery Makers
Harvard Health Letters
This is the time of year when respiratory tract infections act up. Here's a brief guided tour of the common cold and four of its fellow misery makers.
Botox for Migraines
Mary Pickett, M.D.
I get migraine headaches about three times per month. Once the headache gets started, it can last all day. I don't like taking medications. I recently heard that Botox injections can help migraines. Is this something I should try?
Does Heart Rate Affect Blood Pressure
Richard Lee, M.D.
When doctors interpret a blood pressure reading, should they also consider the heart rate? Can the body's demands that cause higher blood pressure be partially satisfied by a faster heart rate?
Oh, My Aching Knees!
Live Right Live Well
Will taking glucosamine and chondroitin supplements help my aching knees?
Is It a Heart Attack?
Live Right Live Well
When it comes to heart attacks, many people think of the classic 'chest-clutch and fall' scenario that you see in the movies, notes Dr. Preeti Jois-Bilowich, a cardiovascular emergency associate at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. But the truth is that most heart attacks aren't so obvious.
Understanding Heartburn
Live Right Live Well
The first thing you need to know if you want to understand heartburn is that it has nothing to do with the heart. It's called 'heartburn' because it's a burning pain in your chest. But what causes it is actually a malfunction of the muscle at the bottom of your esophagus, the long, narrow 'food tube' that runs between your mouth and your stomach.
Stroke: 5 Warning Signs You Must Know
Live Right Live Well
Only old people have strokes, right? Wrong. Stroke is no longer an old-age affliction. A big reason is that a record number of Americans are overweight. Obesity raises blood pressure, and high blood pressure is a key risk factor for stroke. Here are the warning signs of stroke
Is It an Eating Disorder?
Abragail Kappel for The Real College Guide
Especially for college students, there's a not-so-fine line between being image-conscious and size-obsessed. If you think you or a friend might be straddling it, read on. There's no better time than now to clarify four common eating disorder myths
Immune-boosting Foods You’ll Love
Barbara Ruhs - Sniffle Solutions
The better you eat, the stronger your immune power. On the other hand, the more nutrient deficiencies you have, the more vulnerable you are to getting sick. To keep your immune system working at its best, increase your intake of these foods during cold and flu season. You’ll be glad you did.
Diabetes: Could You Have It and Not Know It?
Nicole Gregory - Live Right Live Well
The American Diabetes Association estimates that over 23 million people in the United States have some form of diabetes, and nearly a quarter of them don't know it. What's more, a recent CDC analysis shows that the rate of new diabetes cases rose by a whopping 90 percent in the last 10 years.
Chest Pain 101
Michael Castleman - Live Right Live Well
You have a pain in your chest. It's different from anything you've ever experienced before. Like most people, the first thought that crosses your mind is: Is it a heart attack? Play it safe. Call 911. You might need emergency attention. But once you've been checked out, chances are it wasn't 'the big one.' In fact, it could be one of 40+ ailments. Here's how to tell them apart
Heartburn or Heart Attack?
Stacey Colino - Live Right Live Well
Is it heartburn or a heart attack? Because they both involve chest pain, it can be difficult to tell the difference. But heartburn and heart disease occupy such dramatically different positions on the severity spectrum that figuring out what's really happening in your body could mean the difference between life and death. To help you distinguish one from the other, consider these key factors
Avoiding Heartburn
Jennifer Viegas - Live Right Live Well
For people who suffer from heartburn, it's like receiving the bill after an expensive meal: Somehow, you're not surprised, but it takes you aback nonetheless. The good news is that heartburn is avoidable. Pat Baird, a registered dietition and board member of the National Heartburn Alliance recommends these measures for avoiding heartburn
No Single Path to Managing Irritable Bowel Sydrome
Yuri Saito, M.D., Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic
I've had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for many years. My problem is not that I have diarrhea or constipation, but that I have bowel movements often -- sometimes four to eight times a day. Usually, I have cramps from the foods I eat, bland or otherwise. At the moment, I am on Librax, a medication to reduce stomach spasms, which I take when needed. Is there anything else I can do?
Treatment Options for COPD Are Limited But Can Be Effective
Howard LeWine, M.D.
I have COPD. My doctor tells me that my main problem is chronic bronchitis, but I also have some mild emphysema. I quit smoking 4 years ago. I'm on three different inhalers. I don't seem to be getting any better. What do you think?
Risk of Shingles Increases With Age, But Vaccine is Available
Priya Sampathkumar, M.D.
I had chickenpox as a child, and about seven years ago I had shingles. I will be 80 years old soon and am wondering whether or not I should still get the vaccine to prevent shingles. What are the risks of getting the vaccine? Can I get shingles again?
Treatment Options for Poor Bladder Function
Deborah Lightner, M.D.
This past year, my healthy 54-year-old husband was diagnosed with a neurogenic bladder, which requires him to self-catheterize four to five times per day. This has made the things he used to love doing much more difficult, and it is taking its toll on him emotionally. Are there other options for his condition other than self-cathing?
Sleep Disorders
The Nightmare Files: Sleep Disorders Remarkably Common and Varied
John Cline, Ph.D.
As a clinical psychologist specializing in sleep disorders, I've seen everyone from those who chase sleep each night to no avail to those who become unrecognizable characters once they enter never-never land. Here's a guided tour through some of my most memorable case files.
You Can Beat the Heartburn Blues
Caroline Farquhar
Have you ever had one of those days? A great day with friends, a terrific meal, a few drinks ... then heartburn. How did it happen? You may be aware of some obvious reasons, but there are some surprising things you may not know about heartburn.
Common Indoor Allergy Triggers and How to Avoid Them
January W. Payne
If cold, wintry weather is keeping you indoors, remember: Year-round, that's home to many of the peskiest allergy and asthma triggers. So if you have allergies or asthma, it's a good idea to ensure that your home is as free of triggers as possible. Your doctor can help you develop a plan, but here's some advice to get you started
Recommended Exercises for Knee Pain Depend on Cause of Pain
Matthew Butters, M.D., Mayo Clinic
What are the best exercises for sufferers of knee pain? While I can recommend some general exercises and activities the most beneficial regimen will depend on the cause of the knee pain. Knee pain has numerous causes. Two of the most common are osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Here's a look at exercises for osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome
Deep Brain Stimulation Used Only for Patients Whose Cluster Headaches Don't Respond to Medical Treatment
Ivan Garza, M.D., Mayo Clinic
I've had severe headaches for five years and have been going to a neurologist for three years. The neurologist has been treating me for cluster headaches. He's prescribed a number of medications for pain, but nothing helps. During these attacks, I can't do anything but walk the floor and cry. Would I be a good candidate for deep brain stimulation?
Steps Can Be Taken to Reduce Snoring
Sean Caples, D.O., Pulmonary and Critical Care, Mayo Clinic
Snoring has gotten a lot of attention in recent years due to its link to obstructive sleep apnea. Indeed, it's often recommended that loud, frequent snorers be tested to rule out this harmful problem. Unlike sleep apnea, in which you actually stop breathing, ordinary snoring doesn't appear to harm your health. Still, many people appropriately seek treatment for snoring
Wegener's Granulomatosis: Rare Blood Vessels Disease Often Undiagnosed in Early Stages
Kenneth Warrington, M.D., Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic
Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare disease of the blood vessels that often goes undiagnosed in its early stages. Wegener's commonly affects the kidneys, and, if not treated promptly, can result in kidney failure. The disease also can affect the lungs and upper respiratory tract.
What Causes Acid Reflux in the Throat
Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D. - Harvard Health Letters
I developed a hoarse voice and annoying phlegm in my throat and was surprised to learn that the cause was acid reflux. I've never had heartburn, so I don't know how this could have happened. Can you explain?
One Family's Saga of Alzheimer's Care
Kerry Hannon
We lost him a little at a time. In 2000, my dad, then 80, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and it began: He moved off ever so slowly, calling back at us as he went, trying to keep us in his sight
Bringing Hospital Care Home
Harvard Health
Hospitals are going out of their way these days to make patients feel like they're at home. Here's a logical extension of these efforts: offering hospital-level care at home. That's the premise behind a movement called Hospital at Home. It's already established in parts of Europe. Now, several groups are trying to give it a toehold in the United States.
Blood Clots in Surface Veins Often Treated With Self-Care Technique
Ian McPhail, M.D., Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic
Blood clots in surface veins are relatively common. This condition -- known as superficial thrombophlebitis -- shouldn't be confused with blood clots that develop in deeper veins (deep venous thrombosis). Clots in surface veins are more of a nuisance, whereas clots in deep veins can be serious and even life-threatening.
For Many, LASIK Surgery Safe, Reasonable Procedure to Consider
Dave Patel, M.D., Ophthamology, Mayo Clinic
LASIK (short for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) eye surgery is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The procedure has been widely used for many years to correct vision problems, and the surgery is often successful. But it's not for everyone. The effectiveness and safety of the procedure depends on ...
Treating Low Back Pain Remains a Challenge
Harvard Health
Back pain is remarkably common. It affects most people during a lifetime. While most back pain gets better quickly, chronic back pain is also common. Yet, the cause of chronic back pain is often uncertain. Even worse, treatment is often ineffective. That's why so many people turn to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
When Should You Seek Emergency Care for Chest Pain
Harvard Health
If you have chest pain or discomfort, how do you know if it's serious enough to warrant emergency medical attention? A few general pointers to help
Hypoglycemia: Breaking the Vicious Cycle
Katrina Bertol
Do you ever find yourself feeling faint and irritable when you've skipped a meal? Do you feel fatigued, depressed or worried when you don't have enough food or gone too long between meals? Do you crave sugars and carbohydrates and feel immediate relief after eating them? You may be suffering from hypoglycemia, a common result of poor dietary choices and in some cases, genetics.
Supporting Survivors of Suicide Loss: Therapy Can Ease Grief, Guilt
Harvard Health
More than 30,000 Americans, and roughly one million people worldwide, die by suicide each year. The aftermath of grief and bereavement extends much further, with a conservative estimate of six survivors left behind for every suicide death.
Depression Sometimes Expressed at a Young Age
Stephen Whiteside
Certainly kids can suffer from depression. If you're concerned about your child, a good first step would be to visit the doctor to discuss and evaluate the situation. Sometimes, symptoms that appear to be depression may be caused by an underlying medical condition. If the problem is depression, effective treatments for children are available.
Narcolepsy Can Often Be Effectively Managed Once Diagnosed
Mayo Clinic
Can you explain narcolepsy to me -- how it develops, the treatment options, and what someone with the condition goes through? A friend of mine was recently diagnosed, and I don't know anything about it but would like to learn more.
Gastric Banding Not Stand-Alone Weight Loss Solution
Mayo Clinic
Bariatric surgery is a general term used to describe operations that help a person lose weight more consistently and effectively. The two most common types of bariatric surgery performed in the United States are adjustable gastric banding -- sometimes called lap band surgery -- and gastric bypass surgery.
Hearing Loss: A Silent Epidemic
Harvard Health Watch
Everyone experiences hearing loss from time to time including temporary hearing loss. And a mild degree of permanent hearing impairment is an inevitable part of the aging process. But for millions of people, the problem is more serious. Fortunately, modern medical care can help ...
Wide Gap Between Top and Bottom Blood Pressure Numbers
Thomas H. Lee, M.D. - Harvard Health
My systolic blood pressure has been between 115 and 125 and pretty steady. The diastolic number is low (55-65) and seems to be falling. Is the difference between these two numbers important, and is the falling diastolic number something to worry about?
Some Blood Vessels More Prone to Blockages Than Others
Richard Lee, M.D. - Harvard Health
Are the coronary arteries more prone to developing blockages than arteries elsewhere in the body? When arteries from other parts of the body are used in bypass surgery, does their tendency to become blocked change?
Another Reason to Get a Flu Shot: To Protect Your Heart
Harvard Health
If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, what are you waiting for? The hour or so it would take is nothing compared with the time you might spend fighting the flu or something worse
Banish Hangovers Naturally
Lisa Tsakos
What we call a hangover -- headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound following excessive alcohol consumption -- is the end result of dehydration and toxicity. If adequate measures are taken while alcohol is being consumed or before going to bed, hangover symptoms might be averted. Here's a set of worthwhile tips and preventative measures
BPPB the Most Common Cause of Vertigo
Scott Eggers MD, Neurology, Mayo Clinic
My husband has been having bouts of dizziness and vertigo on and off for a month. His doctor diagnosed him with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. What causes this? Is there a cure?
Helpful Tips for Boosting Your Immunity
Lisa Tsakos
Everyone is talking about cold and flu season this year, thanks to the H1N1 media frenzy. While those of us who aren't giving in to the panic may suggest that it isn't that different from any other flu, the fact is, H1N1 is affecting age groups and populations that aren't typically affected by other flu strains. To avoid germs and boost immunity here are recommendations ...
Getting a Good Diagnosis: Even most experienced doctors can be thrown off by faulty thinking
Deborah Kotz
Doctors are stumped by symptoms all the time, and by prescribing the wrong medication, they often worsen the problem or even create a new one. Worse, misdiagnoses lead to an astounding 40,000 to 80,000 hospital deaths every year. Here's what you need to know to be sure you end up with the right answer
Music Therapy Can Be Good for the Heart
Harvard Health Letters
Music can make you laugh or cry, rile you up or calm you down. Some say it's good for the soul. It just might be good for the heart, too. Make no mistake -- daily doses of Mozart won't clean out your arteries or fix a faulty heart valve. But music can help ease your recovery
Global Strategy to Deal With Alcohol Abuse
Andy Coghlan
The World Health Organization, between now and January, will be honing its draft of the first global strategy on reducing health damage from alcohol abuse, the fifth leading cause of premature death and disability worldwide.
After a Heart Attack: Following Rehab Instructions Can Save Your Life
Harvard Heart Letter
One month after their attacks, more than 90 percent of the participants said they were taking all of the medications on the discharge list. In contrast, less than 50 percent were exercising as instructed, had stopped smoking, or were losing weight. Just one-third had enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program, one of the best things you can do to prevent a second heart attack.
Low Blood Pressure Not Normally a Cause for Concern
John Graves, M.D., Nephrology/Hypertension, Mayo Clinic
Unless it causes troublesome symptoms, low blood pressure (hypotension) usually isn't a cause for concern and doesn't require treatment. If low blood pressure begins to cause symptoms that interfere with your daily activities, though, talk to your doctor about ways it can be managed
Dealing with Hemorrhoids - Hemorrhoids Symptoms
Mayo Clinic
By about age 50, more than half of adults have dealt with hemorrhoids -- blood-engorged veins in the lower rectum (anal canal) that form tiny sacs (anal cushions) when pressure builds up within the veins serving the pelvic and rectal areas
Supplemental Fiber Can Help With Chronic Constipation
Adil Bharucha, M.D., Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic
Constipation is a common problem. Doctors often recommend fiber supplements, also called bulk laxatives, for people with chronic constipation. In general, these powdered fiber supplements are gentle on your body and are safe to use long term.
Newer, More Effective Treatments Are Available for Those With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Tait Shanafelt, M.D., Hematology, Mayo Clinic
I was recently diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. I am 55 years old, exercise regularly and feel fine. I have no symptoms. My doctor's approach is to 'watch and wait.' I'm uncomfortable with watchful waiting. Is there more aggressive action that can be taken at this time while it is still early?
Loud Snoring May Be a Sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Kevin Reid, D.M.D., Dental Specialties, Mayo Clinic
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where the airway narrows or closes during sleep, interrupting breathing. It affects men and women and can be caused by the relaxation of muscles in the back of the throat. When breathing is interrupted
Swollen Lymph Nodes in Abdomen Not Necessarily Cause for Concern
Gerardo Colon-Otero, M.D. & Kevin Moder, M.D., Mayo Clinic
Mildly enlarged lymph nodes may not be a serious concern. Infections or underlying inflammatory conditions, such as chronic fungal infections, Sjogren's or lupus among others, can result in enlarged lymph nodes that may not, by themselves, cause any problems. However, enlarged lymph nodes can be an early sign of some cancers including lymphoma, a malignancy of lymph node tissues
Suffer From Insomnia -- Try Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Lindsay Lyon
Cognitive behavioral therapy has been applied to everything from depression and anxiety to chronic pain and addiction. But a brand specifically fashioned for insomniacs has been gaining ground. Seventy to 80 percent of people with chronic insomnia -- persistent difficulty in falling or staying asleep--seem to benefit significantly from a treatment course of CBT, experts say
Neurofeedback: An ADHD Treatment That Retrains the Brain
Megan Johnson
A controversial treatment for overcoming attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is getting new respect. Called neurofeedback therapy, it supposedly retrains the brain to produce electrical patterns associated with calm and focus. While the technique is costly, time consuming, and far from proven, its promise is tantalizing.
7 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Type 2 Diabetes Diet
January W. Payne
A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes means lifestyle changes that can be frustrating but are important for a long, healthy life. At the top of the list is adjusting to a type 2 diabetes diet, but a new study of overweight and obese diabetics suggests that diabetics often don't follow recommended nutrition guidelines
By the Way, Doctor: Should Diabetes Treatment Be Changed
Nancy Keating, M.D., M.P.H. - Harvard Health Letters
You have type 2 diabetes, which used to be called adult-onset diabetes. This type of diabetes is caused mainly by insulin resistance. Normally, insulin helps usher blood sugar (which is the same thing as glucose) out of the bloodstream and into cells where it is used for energy.
7 Common Digestive Problems and How to End Them
Sarah Baldauf and January W. Payne
There's something about digestive difficulties that makes them hard to discuss in polite company--which leaves many of us suffering one problem or another in silence. Yet fixes can be as simple as making informed lifestyle changes or taking over-the-counter remedies.
Immune System Response to Infection Varies
Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D.
Your immune system is like an army that is ready to spot and stop invaders like the viruses that cause chickenpox and the flu. Your immune system also goes to war when an old infection comes back to life. But after the battle is over, your immune system quiets down and waits for the next fight.
Insect Repellants: Some of Our Favorite Products Can Carry Dangers of Their Own
Andrea Donsky and Randy Boyer
Fear and warnings about West Nile virus and other insect-transmitted disease have driven sales of repellents up by 36 percent over the past two years. Recent studies, however, are suggesting that some of our favorite products carry dangers of their own.
Treat Mini-Strokes As An Emergency, Not a Gentle Warning
Harvard Health Letters
Transient ischemic attack needs a new name. At the outset, there's little difference between a TIA and the most common kind of stroke, an ischemic stroke. The big thing that separates a TIA from a stroke is how long it lasts.
Low Platelet Count Often Related to Underlying Disorder
David Steensma, M.D., Hematology, Mayo Clinic
Low platelet count -- the medical term is thrombocytopenia -- can affect your blood's ability to clot. If platelet levels fall low enough, severe bleeding is possible. Often, the problem is related to an underlying disorder. Once that disorder is treated, platelet counts usually improve.
Vitamin D Deficiency Common But Easily Treated With Supplements
It's well established that vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and helps keep bones strong. There's also evidence that vitamin D helps reduce the risk of common cancers, muscle and joint pain and perhaps even multiple sclerosis. For some people, it's difficult to get proper amounts of vitamin D from the usual sources, which are diet and sunshine. Dr. Philip Hagen of the Mayo Clinic provides suggestions in this article to compensate for Vitamin D defiency.
Ready for Ragweed Season - Tips to Help Fight Pollen Allergy
January W. Payne
It's ragweed season, and for people with this pollen allergy, that means miserable symptoms such as sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, trouble sleeping, asthma attacks, and itchy skin, eyes, nose, or throat.
8 Tips Can Help Fight Ragweed Pollen Allergy
January W. Payne
No matter how long ragweed season lasts this year, experts suggest getting a jump-start on symptoms before you start to feel lousy. This should come as no surprise to people accustomed to dealing with seasonal allergy symptoms, but we offer eight refreshers for making this ragweed season as painless as possible.
Drug-Free Approaches to Managing ADHD
Megan Johnson
For decades, Ritalin and similar stimulants have reigned over other treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD or ADD. The meds are seemingly tried and true, with numerous studies backing their effectiveness. However, the latest results from the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD found that stimulants' effects wane over time. Here's 9 Drug-Free Approaches to Managing ADHD ...
Hamstrung! How to Prevent and Help Heal Hamstring Injuries
Katherine Hobson
This season, hamstring injuries have benched at least four members of the New York Mets. Then it got personal: my boyfriend started hobbling after one of our outdoor workouts, having suffered his own mild hamstring pull. What is this injury, anyway? And what makes everyone from pro athletes to weekend warriors susceptible to it?
Choosing Between Urgent Care Center, In-Store Clinic and ER
Sarah Baldauf
Primary-care physicians are not the only game in town. In fact, depending on where you live, you may have several places to turn, including an urgent care clinic and an in-store "retail clinic" set up in a grocery store or pharmacy along with the local hospital emergency department. The inevitable question then becomes: Which level of care should you seek -- and for what ailments?
Why People Leave the Hospital Against Medical Advice
January W. Payne
A new report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reveals that people who leave the hospital against doctor's orders are at higher risk of adverse health outcomes and have increased hospital readmission rates, compared with patients who follow doctors' advice.
9 Safe Ways to Help Cure Insomnia
January W. Payne
Insomnia -- difficulty falling or staying asleep -- can wreak havoc on people's lives. And with the coroner's finding that Michael Jackson died from a lethal dose of the anesthesia medication propofol (Diprivan), which the pop star reportedly received routinely because of his chronic inability to sleep, it's a good time to revisit safe ways to help cure insomnia.
7 Things That Make Sleep Apnea Worse
Lindsay Lyon
More than 12 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of sleep-disordered breathing and many are unaware, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Untreated, sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, memory loss, obesity, parasomnias, and insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes
Can You Avoid Arthritis Knee Pain by Building Thigh Muscles
Deborah Kotz
Millions of older women suffer the pain and stiffness of arthritis, especially in their knee joints, which can severely curtail everyday activities like climbing stairs or getting out of a car. It turns out there may be a way to protect our knees and avoid the discomforts of aging: strong thigh muscles.
Radiation in Medicine: A Double-Edged Sword
Harvard Health Letters
Radiation offers extraordinary benefits for the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases and ailments, from broken bones to heart disease. It is a mainstay for treating some types of cancer. Yet exposure to radiation can also damage DNA, the operating manual of a cell. This damage can lead to uncontrolled cell division, the hallmark of cancer.
Ask the Harvard Experts: Is Weight Loss Surgery Safe?
Weight-loss surgery (bariatric surgery) done by experts is getting safer, according to a study reported in the July 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Sugar Ain't So Sweet - Adverse Effects of Sugar
Randy Boyer and Andrea Donsky
Much of the fatigue many of us regularly experience is thanks to sugar. It's a subtle poison that's part of our daily lives. So innocuous, it can be found in everything from baby food to toothpaste and its effects are as rampant as its sources. We're exposed to it from infancy, even encouraged to have it.
Angina: Don't Ignore This Major Risk Factor for Heart Attack
Harvard Health Letter
Heart attacks and angina have the same root cause: a pumping heart muscle that isn't getting the blood -- and therefore the oxygen -- it needs. If it's a heart attack, the oxygen shortage causes the death of heart tissue. The medical term is myocardial infarction: The myocardium is the heart's muscle, and an infarct is an area of dead tissue resulting from low blood supply. Angina, on the other hand, is just a symptom of the oxygen shortage -- or, to use some more medical terminology, myocardial ischemia
Ask the Harvard Experts: What To Do About a Plugged-Up Feeling in One Ear
Jo Shapiro, M.D.
The diagnosis of almost any ear problem starts with a few basic questions. One of the most obvious is also one of the most important: Have you lost any hearing?
Mayo Clinic: Treatment of Granulation Tissue Depends on Cause, Extent of Tissue Formation
Shelagh Cofer, M.D.
In people who have narrowing (stenosis) of the trachea, granulation tissue -- the type of tissue the body produces when healing a wound -- can cause serious, and sometimes even life-threatening breathing problems.
Mayo Clinic: Link Between Pancreatic Cancer and Diabetes Not Fully Understood
Suresh Chari, M.D.
Considerable research has been done to examine the complex relationship between pancreatic cancer and diabetes. While long-standing diabetes may slightly increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, new-onset diabetes is more likely to signal the presence of underlying cancer. However ...
Mayo Clinic: Hip Pain May be Relieved by Treatments Other Than Surgery
Edward Laskowski, M.D.
Hip pain can be a sign of many medical conditions. Some disorders, such as severe arthritis could, in time, require a hip replacement. But others, such as bursitis, can be managed with much less invasive treatment options. Exercise may help in some situations, but not all. Before you pursue treatment for hip pain
Mayo Clinic: Classic, Intense Symptoms Not Always Present in People With Bipolar Disorder
Mark Frye, M.D.
The classic symptoms of bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, are alternating emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). Increasingly, research suggests that people with bipolar disorder don't always have the classic and intense symptoms. Symptoms can vary from ...
OK to Incorporate Flexibility Into Your Diabetes Diet
January W. Payne
For those newly diagnosed with diabetes, the recommended lifestyle changes can be intimidating. Among the first guidelines are to eat a low-fat diet to help control cholesterol levels and to watch carbohydrate intake in order to keep glucose levels in check. But how do diabetics make these changes without sacrificing the foods they truly love? It turns out that they don't have to strictly adhere to a Spartan eating regimen, experts say.
Cholesterol - 10 Ways to Lower LDL and Raise HDL
January W. Payne
Your doctor tells you that your level of LDL -- the 'bad' type of cholesterol -- is too high, and, in a double whammy, he says that your level of HDL -- the 'good' cholesterol--is too low. Is there anything you can do to decrease the bad while increasing the good? There are steps you can take to accomplish this.
Could Cigarette Smoking Ever Get Safer
Linda Geddes, New Scientist Magazine
Tobacco companies have begun "clinical trials" to assess whether a range of prototype "safer cigarettes" really do slash levels of toxic chemicals entering the body
Finding Effective Treatment For Chronic Pain
January W. Payne
Chronic pain is a problem that -- when healthcare, lost income, and lost productivity are taken into account -- is estimated to cost about $100 billion in the United States each year. More than a quarter of Americans age 20 or older, or about 76.5 million people, say they've experienced pain that lasted longer than 24 hours
Although No Cure Exists, Effective Treatment Is Available for Migraine
Jerry Swanson, M.D., Neurology, Mayo Clinic
At this time, no cure exists for migraine headaches. But that doesn't mean you have to just suffer through them. Although there isn't one pill doctors can prescribe or a surgery we can recommend to cure migraine, effective treatment is available.
Atril Fibrillation Treatment Involves Reducing Risk of Stroke
Stephen Hammill, M.D., Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that involves the upper heart chambers (atria). During an episode of atrial fibrillation, the atria beat out of rhythm very quickly, up to 400 beats per minute. Fortunately, this rapid rate is slowed to about 70 to 150 beats per minute as the impulse travels to the lower chambers, the ventricles, which then pump blood to the body. The episode may last minutes to several days and individuals with atrial fibrillation should seek medical care promptly.
Treating Heart Failure: The Smartest Approach
Deborah Kotz
About 5 million people in the United States have heart failure, and 300,000 die from it every year. Indeed, heart failure -- the heart can't pump enough blood through the body -- is the most common reason older folks wind up in the hospital, and more than 1 in 4 heart-failure patients must be hospitalized again within a month of being discharged, according to a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine. That's despite the fact, the American Heart Association contends, that most of these rehospitalizations are preventable.
5 Risks Linked to Diabetes Medications Like Lantus, Avandia, Actos
January W. Payne
For the 200 million diabetics worldwide, the past few years have brought some disturbing findings about risks that may be associated with certain diabetes drugs. The key thing to remember is not to panic when you hear news of safety concerns about a medication you're taking -- and definitely don't quit taking a prescribed diabetes drug without asking your doctor first.
Cancer and Supplements: What Vitamins, Herbs, and Botanicals Can (and Can't) Do
Health & Wellness - Katherine Hobson
As it turns out, the question of whether--and in what form--nutrients can be extracted from food or plants and used to fight cancer is quite complex. Researchers in this young field are probing the connections and contradictions but have not yet found answers to the question of what vitamins, herbs, or botanicals may help prevent, treat, or ameliorate symptoms of cancer. Here are a few reasons--plus guidance on what to do in the face of incomplete information.
Deep Brain Stimulation: A Pacemaker for Parkinson's Disease and More
Sarah Baldauf
"I thought, 'Oh, my God, that's brain surgery,' " recalls Bill Schmalfeldt. He was considering participating in a clinical trial--the only one testing so-called deep brain stimulation in patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease--that might result in electrodes being permanently implanted deep inside his head.
Brain Stimulation: Can Magnetic or Electrical Pulses Help You
Sarah Baldauf
In recent years, attention has been focused heavily on the potential of brain stimulation therapies, which interrupt misbehaving brain signals. The therapies -- including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS) -- work to rejigger the brain's electrical circuitry and provide relief from debilitating symptoms that don't respond to medications
Brain Stimulation: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Sarah Baldauf
Patients who struggle to beat back the demons of depression have another option that is creating serious interest among clinicians and researchers -- transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, a form of brain stimulation.
Atril Fibrillation Treatment Involves Reducing Risk of Stroke
Stephen Hammill M.D., Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm that involves the upper heart chambers (atria). factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation. Treatment usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication and, in some cases, surgery or catheter ablation.
By the Way, Doctor: Can Ginkgo Biloba Slow Dementia
Anthony Komaroff, M.D. - Harvard Health Letters
Ginkgo is prescribed in many parts of the world as a memory remedy and is readily available in the United States as an over-the-counter herbal supplement. It does have some antioxidant properties
Health, Nutrition & Diet: Getting Out the Gluten
Harvard Health Letters
Gluten seems to be the food ingredient non grata these days. Bakers are coming up with recipes for gluten-free cupcakes and baguettes. Anheuser-Busch sells Redbridge, a gluten-free beer made from sorghum. By some estimates, the sales of gluten-free foods have tripled since 2004. Gluten-free food has become more popular partly because doctors are diagnosing more cases of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder whose symptoms are triggered by gluten, the protein content in wheat, barley, rye ...
Fear of Crowds. When You Need Help for Anxiety
Deborah Kotz
Certain people find the feeling of a crowd pressing in on them to be extremely stressful. When such a feeling causes a panic attack, that's a sign of the anxiety condition claustrophobia. Feeling panicked by the mere presence of strangers is a condition known as agoraphobia
5 Lessons From the Nation's Obesity Report Card
Katherine Hobson
We're still getting fatter, albeit at a slightly slower rate. That's the chief takeaway from a yearly report on the U.S. obesity epidemic, which found that rates of obesity rose in 23 states (last year, rates rose in 37 states). Almost two thirds of states now have adult obesity rates above 25 percent, according to the report
10 Things You Should Know About Alzheimer's Disease
Sarah Baldauf
Alzheimer's disease and other dementias do a number on the mind and body of the individual with the disease and can also take a major toll on the health and finances of the individual's family
Alzheimer's Caregiving: Day-to-day Challenges
Harvard Health Watch
Bath time, mealtime, and bedtime are among the hardest parts of the day. The Alzheimer's disease has a profound emotional impact on the family members who must cope with a loved one's irrevocable decline.
Antacids Not Meant to be Used as Long-Term Treatment for Acid Reflux
Taking antacids for as long as you have can cause long-term side effects. Treatment for acid reflux has advanced considerably over the last 20 years. I recommend you talk with your doctor about ...
Repeated Exposure to Stomach Acid May Result in Barrett's Esophagus
Yvonne Romero, M.D., Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic
Barrett's esophagus does increase your risk of developing esophageal cancer. But esophageal cancer is rare. About 7,000 cases of adenocarcinoma, the type of cancer associated with Barrett's esophagus, are diagnosed each year in the U.S. Less than 10 percent of people who have Barrett's esophagus ever develop esophageal cancer. And, when caught early, this type of cancer can often be effectively treated. The key is ...
If you have heartburn two or more times a week, it could be serious. The problem may be much more frequent than the occasional bout of indigestion. Frequent heartburn can also be a symptom of a more serious problem called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD.
Bone Marrow Donations Involves Less-Invasive Technique Than in the Past
Dennis Gastineau, M.D., Hematology, Mayo Clinic
A person can become a bone marrow donor in two ways. One is to donate to someone you know, usually a family member, who needs a bone marrow transplant. The second is to have your name listed on a national registry of willing bone marrow donors. This registry is used when people who need a bone marrow transplant cannot find a relative who is a compatible donor. Bone marrow donation previously involved a minor surgical procedure, but a less-invasive technique is now used most often.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome a Rare But Serious Disorder
P. James Dyck, M.D., Neurology, Mayo Clinic
Guillain-Barre syndrome is an inflammatory disorder that can cause dramatic weakness and even complete paralysis. Most people recover but may require months, or even years, to regain their strength
Lifestyle Changes May Help Patients Cope With Peripheral Neuropathy
P. James Dyck, M.D., Neurology, Mayo Clinic
Peripheral neuropathy occurs as a result of nerve damage and often leads to pain, tingling, numbness and a lack of sensation in the limbs, particularly the hands and feet. Treatment may ease symptoms, and some lifestyle changes may also help
Avoid Tick-Borne Illness
Harvard Health Letters
The deer tick (also called the black-legged tick), which can carry and transmit the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. Considered somewhat rare in the mid-1980s, Lyme disease is now the most common vector-borne illness in the United States. About 20,000 cases are reported annually to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Are PET-CT scans good for detecting breast cancer
Harold J. Burstein, M.D.
The short answer is no, PET-CT scans are not suitable substitutes for mammograms. Mammograms take advantage of the fact that most of the female breast is fat tissue, so it's relatively transparent to the low doses of radiation used in mammography.
No Gallbladder, But the Pain Feels the Same
Stephen Goldfinger, M.D.
I've been experiencing pain in the upper right quadrant of my abdomen. My gallbladder was removed four years ago. My doctor thinks I have something wrong with my "sphincter of Oddi.
Stroke: 7 Signs You Could Be at Risk of a Brain Attack
Sarah Baldauf
Stroke can hit like a deadly lightning bolt. And if the victim survives, the aftermath can be debilitating -- affecting functioning from movement to speech. While stroke is the third-leading cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the United States, it trails behind other major diseases in awareness and recognition of symptoms.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy Not Meant for Long-Term Use
By Lowell C. Dale, M.D - Mayo Clinic Medical Edge
The purpose of nicotine gum is to deliver small doses of nicotine to your body, which allow you to better manage your withdrawal symptoms and cravings as you quit smoking. However, long-term use of nicotine replacement therapy could potentially cause other health problems.
Screening for Oral Cancer Should be Done with Regular Dental Visits
By Phillip Sheridan, D.D.S - Mayo Clinic Medical Edge
Oral cancer screening is important. A screening should be done every time you see a dentist or periodontist. The standard oral cancer screen is a visual inspection of all areas inside the mouth: the floor, back and roof of the mouth; inside of the cheeks; the gums; the tongue; and the tonsils.
Rare Form of Melanoma Difficult to Treat
By Svetomir Markovic, M.D., Ph.D. - Mayo Clinic Medical Edge
Internal melanoma is usually the result of melanoma that started somewhere on the skin and has spread (metastasized) to an internal organ. In many cases, the primary tumor can't be found on the skin. It may be either too small to be detected, or more commonly, it resolves on its own. The body's immune system is capable of eliminating small melanoma tumors on the skin. But all you need are several cancer cells from that tumor to invade farther into the skin and blood vessels, and melanoma can spread.
Pancreatic Cancer Difficult to Detect Early, Challenging to Treat
Suresh Chari, M.D. - Mayo Clinic Medical Edge
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease that's difficult to detect early and challenging to treat, making it a leading cause of cancer death. Currently, only about three out of 100 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive five years after diagnosis.
The Earlier Rectal Cancer is Diagnosed the Better the Cure Rate
Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic
The outlook for people with rectal cancer varies, depending on how advanced the cancer is and whether it has spread outside the rectum. Rectal cancer that's confined to the rectal wall and doesn't involve any lymph nodes has a cure rate of more than 90 percent. If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the cure rate is approximately 60 percent. Although specific treatment for each patient is based on the location and stage of the cancer, most patients with rectal cancer do not need a colostomy.
Ten Commandments of Cancer Prevention
Health Watch
Despite grim statistics, doctors have made great progress in understanding the biology of cancer cells, and they have already been able to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. But instead of just waiting for new breakthroughs, you can do a lot to protect yourself right now.
Statins & Prostate Cancer
Harvard Men's Health Watch
The most optimistic information about statins and prostate cancer comes from observational studies, which are less persuasive than randomized clinical trials. And the studies also differ in the doses and duration of statin therapy, the particular statin drugs used, and the characteristics of the population being studied. Still, though the results are far from conclusive, they raise hope that statins may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. And there are biologic mechanisms that could explain this effect.
Genetic Screening for Prostate Cancer
Harvard Men's Health Watch
Genes regulate the growth, multiplication, and death of all human cells. In some cases, abnormal genes are passed down from parent to child. If genes are responsible for cancer, then therapies that target genetic abnormalities should be beneficial.
Proscar & Osteoporosis
Harvey B. Simon, M.D. - Harvard Men's Health Watch
I am 76 years old, and I've had an enlarged prostate for at least 10 years. I've been taking Proscar for about a year, and it seems to be helping quite a bit. I have not noticed any side effects, but I'm worried that if the medicine reduces testosterone levels enough to shrink my prostate, it will also give me osteoporosis. Should I change medications?
Many Factors to Consider Before Removing Ovaries to Reduce Cancer Risk
First international study on the prevention of diabetes; Better and more cost-effective treatment possible. Patients with impaired glucose tolerance who receive treatment with acarbose at an early stage can not only prevent type II (adult-onset) diabetes from developing but can also drastically lower the risk of cardiovascular complications such as myocardial infarction. These findings of the large-scale international STOP-NIDDM Study were recently presented at the 21st International Bayer Pharma Press Seminar in Munich. "The clock starts ticking long before diabetes is diagnosed," warned the Principal Investigator of the Study, Professor Jean-Louis Chiasson from Montreal, Canada. According to Professor Chiasson, the findings of the STOP-NIDDM Study confirm that impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), a condition regarded as a precursor stage to diabetes, has to be treated at an early stage if cardiovascular complications which frequently take a fatal course are to be avoided.
West Nile Virus Underlines Threat From Mosquito-Borne Diseases
West Nile virus is spreading rapidly across the United States and poses a significant threat to human health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
New Tool for Mammography Can Help Detect Breast Cancer More Effectively
The government re-affirmed the importance of early breast cancer detection with its recent update to guidelines recommending that women age 40 and older have mammograms. A new computer-aided tool can make mammograms even better by highlighting potential areas of concern, and ultimately increasing early detection.
Insect Repellent Helps Prevent Insect-Borne Diseases - Naturally
Many people are changing their perceptions about mosquitoes - from an itchy annoyance to a potential health risk. Already this year, reports of mosquito-borne encephalitis (West Nile and St. Louis) have been recorded in central Florida and Louisiana. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20,000 confirmed cases of insect-related illnesses in humans are reported each year.
Drinking Purple Grape Juice Reduces Breast Cancer Cell Growth in Animal Study
A new study finds that drinking purple grape juice reduces breast cancer cell growth in animal study.
Stress & the Expectant Working Mom
For nearly one million working women who become pregnant each year, juggling stress in the workplace along with stress that comes with being pregnant can be a tall order. First among them is how to work and manage a healthy pregnancy at the same time.
People With Diabetes Fear Disability More Than Death
Singing Artist Gladys Knight Urges Americans with Diabetes to "Know More, Do More" to Reduce Their Risk of Deadly Heart Attacks and Strokes
AdvaMed Highlights How Medical Technologies Play a Key Role in Combating Bioterrorism
New medical technologies are under development to improve detection, prevention, and surveillance of bioterrorist attacks, health care experts reported at a recent meeting of the U.S. House of Representatives Medical Technology Caucus on Capitol Hill.
New Hope for Women with Advanced Breast Cancer
Femara® (letrozole tablets) Data Demonstrate Survival Advantage in First-Line Hormonal Treatment of Post-Menopausal Women with Advanced Breast Cancer
Kids Are Not As Healthy And Fit As They Could Be
Health and Fitness Habits Get Worse As Kids Enter The Teen Years. Are children leading healthy lifestyles? Not always, according to a new survey.
Surgeon General Releases Preliminary Findings On Health Disparities and Mental Retardation
Comments from Surgeon General David Satcher at the conference on Health Disparities and Mental Retardation at a news conference in Washington, D.C.