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
Tinnitus is a ringing in the ears that occurs with age. It may be triggered by impaired hearing, leading to diminished sound impulses moving along the auditory nerve between the ear and the brain. In some people, the brain tries to compensate for this loss of input by turning up internal volume and tuning into background sounds in the brain. Tinnitus can be difficult to treat. There’s no way to measure it directly, which is needed for diagnosis and effective treatment. Researchers are working to identify a physical signature for tinnitus by using measurements of the pupils and brain activity.
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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common condition that can lead to serious problems. Risk factors for the condition include obesity, diabetes., high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. While many Americans have the condition, it can be reversed sometimes by making simple lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, exercising more, and reducing sugar intake.
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People who were born before 1957 don’t need the measles vaccine. People who were born later and never received the vaccine may need to get it as an adult.
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These one-minute videos feature the remarkable science at Harvard Medical School and highlight the passion and personalities of our scientists as talk about what they do, why it matters, and why they love it.
Chengua Gu, a professor at Harvard Medical School, explains her studies of the interaction between the human brain and its blood supply, and why this interaction is so important for brain function.
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Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when the arteries carrying blood to the leg muscles have narrowed, almost always because of a buildup of fatty plaque. PAD can cause leg pain or fatigue after just a few minutes of walking or climbing stairs, and it increases a person’s risk for heart attack and stroke. Addressing risk factors, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, and adopting a regular walking program can help prevent PAD and manage symptoms if it occurs.
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Many people confuse food sensitivity with food intolerance or allergy. Food sensitivity, the most common of the three conditions, is often related to tiny leaks that develop in our intestine as we age. Adopting an elimination diet prescribed by a nutritionist or dietitian can help identify problem foods and determine if a person should stop eating those foods or simply manage portions better.
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Summer is prime time for Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. Common symptoms include a rash at the site of the tick bite, fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle and joint aches. People can protect themselves by properly treating their clothes before going outside, doing thorough body checks afterward, and removing attached ticks. Antibiotics such as doxycycline are very effective at killing the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
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Shortness of breath can result from a range of problems, but heart or lung conditions are usually to blame. Sudden breathing problems may be a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, which require immediate attention. Breathing problems that come on more gradually and during physical activity may be caused by aortic stenosis or heart failure. Worsening breathing problems with coughing may be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which often coexists with heart disease.
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The most common causes of a salty taste in the mouth are side effects from medication and dehydration. Besides increasing daily water intake, people should review their medications with their doctor or pharmacist.
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Peripheral artery disease, in which fatty deposits block blood flow in arteries outside the heart, particularly the legs, is as common in women as it is in men. The condition can be prevented and should be treated early to prevent serious complications, including amputation.
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