Diseases & Conditions Archive

Certain strategies can help people avoid flare-ups of diseases that seem to be affected by cold weather. For example, people with psoriasis can ward off dry skin (which causes flare-ups) by taking short, lukewarm showers, using a humidifier at home, and moisturizing with cream-based emollients. People with asthma should try to do outdoor activities during warmer parts of the day, take a puff of a rescue inhaler before going out, and wear a mask when outdoors. And people with arthritis can exercise and try heat therapy.

About three million American adults have epilepsy, which is marked by recurring seizures. But far more people will have a seizure that strikes for another reason. Seizure triggers include high fever, head injury, extreme lack of sleep, blood sugar fluctuations, alcohol or drug misuse, certain medications, brain infections, stroke, and eclampsia. People can help someone having a seizure by moving them away from hazards, preventing choking, and tracking details. Most seizures are not a medical emergency.

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is a sound people hear in their ears or head that no one else can hear. It is often described as buzzing, humming, ringing, static, or whooshing. While tinnitus is rarely a serious problem, people should get checked to see if it is related to a medical condition.