Diseases & Conditions

The human body is a remarkable structure. It's designed to efficiently manage the wear and tear of everyday life and fend off all sorts of threats. Most of us are healthy for most of our lives. But we're also susceptible to hundreds of injuries, diseases, and conditions. Some are quite common, others are extremely rare. Here are some of the most common conditions that affect humans.

Diseases & Conditions Articles

Choosing an over-the-counter allergy medication

There are two primary ways over-the-counter (OTC) medications help manage allergies. One is by blocking the effects of histamine with a medication called an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratidine (Claritin). Another way is by suppressing the immune system response before it releases histamine. This is done with corticosteroid nasal sprays. OTC versions include budesonide (Rhinocort), fluticasone propionate (Flonase), and triamcinolone (Nasacort). A combination of an antihistamine and a corticosteroid nasal spray is often the most effective treatment. (Locked) More »

Coffee tied to decreased rosacea risk

Evidence suggests that women who drink four or more cups of caffeinated coffee per day are less likely to report a diagnosis of rosacea, compared with women who drink less than one cup of coffee per month. More »

What's causing your shaky hands?

Hand tremors may occur at rest (such as in Parkinson’s disease) or they may occur with activity. Resting tremors often look like one is rolling a pill between the thumb and index finger. Hand tremors that occur with activity may be postural (occurring when the hands are outstretched) or intentional (occurring when one is reaching for a target, such as a keyhole). Causes of tremors include caffeine use, an overactive thyroid, stress, fatigue, sleep deprivation, and medication side effects. More »

Heart palpitations: Mostly harmless

Heart palpitations are common heart rhythm disturbances. Most often people experiencing them feel a sensation like the heart is flip-flopping, skipping beats, or racing. If someone experiences these symptoms alone it typically doesn’t signal a problem, but if they are persistent or are accompanied by dizziness, weakness, or fainting, they should be checked out by a doctor. (Locked) More »

Should you get a home genetic test?

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic test kits are popular to identify people’s ancestral history, but the technology also may reveal risks for specific medical conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and even cancer. A DTC test can’t reveal everything about a person’s health, but for some individuals, it may help them learn more about their current and future health. (Locked) More »

Soothing solutions for irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is most common in people in their 30s and 40s; however, it can occur at any age. The exact cause of IBS has yet to be discovered and it is impossible to prevent. The goal is to focus on managing the condition, which can be done by identifying specific triggers for IBS symptoms and then adopting strategies to make your symptoms less severe and less frequent. The most common treatment approaches are diet, stress management, and medication. (Locked) More »

What could cause my breasts to become larger?

Men who develop swollen, tender breasts may have a condition called gynecomastia. While it can be embarrassing, it rarely has a serious cause. However, in adults, the condition warrants a medical evaluation to look for possible health issues and drug side effects.  Weight loss may help if breast enlargement is due to excess fat. More »