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
Eating certain foods sometimes triggers indigestion or heartburn symptoms, particularly as people age. For example, consuming foods with certain natural sugars such as lactose may lead to cramping, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Eating peppers, tomato sauces, and many other foods can worsen heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When one must remove trigger foods from the diet, there are alternatives that can also be satisfying, such as lactose-free dairy products. When removing a food isn’t possible, some tricks—such as adding a dollop of sour cream—can help reduce the heat in spicy dishes.
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People who quit smoking decades ago still have compromised lung function and are at risk for lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), suggests a new study.
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Bladder pain and burning with urination affect more women than men. The symptoms can be caused by many conditions, such as upper or lower urinary tract infections, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginitis, sexually transmitted infections, and interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome). When symptoms occur, one should see a primary care doctor or gynecologist, and possibly a urologist or urogynecologist. Depending on the condition, treatment can include the use of antibiotics, vaginal estrogen cream, or bladder training.
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The FDA approved a new treatment, called lasmiditan (Reyvow), to treat migraine headaches. The pill is designed to relieve pain from migraines with or without an aura in adults. It is not designed to prevent migraines.
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A new medication called dupilumab (Dupixent) may help reduce nasal polyps in people with recurring polyps and chronic sinusitis.
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It can be hard to tell the difference between a groin strain (muscle or tendon tear) and an inguinal hernia (fat or intestine poking through a hole in the abdominal wall in the groin). Both conditions can cause a dull ache or burning pain in the groin. However, a groin strain usually gets better on its own; an inguinal hernia does not, and only gets bigger over time. With hernias a lump can often be felt under the skin; not so with groin strains. Treatment ranges from rest and ice (for a groin strain) to surgery (for a hernia).
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As reported online Oct. 2, 2019, by Molecular Cell, a Harvard team was able to use the gene editing tool CRISPR to kill certain viruses, including the influenza virus, in a laboratory dish.
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Drinking three or more servings of caffeinated beverages might be a headache trigger for some people with migraines. A serving consisted of 6 to 8 ounces for coffee and tea, 12 ounces for soda, and 2 ounces for energy drinks.
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The flu vaccine may be less effective in older adults, because their immune systems may not respond to it as robustly as younger individuals. Even so, it still greatly reduces risks related to the virus.
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Everyone’s hearing naturally declines with age, and people often have one ear that hears better than the other. But if hearing loss appears suddenly in one ear for no apparent reason, that can be a sign of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or SHL, a kind of nerve deafness, that can lead to permanent hearing loss if not treated promptly.
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