Diseases & Conditions Archive

Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive condition triggered by gluten, a sticky protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Celiac disease is typically diagnosed later in life, and occurs more often in women. Symptoms include intestinal distress, weight loss, rashes, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. Celiac patients must adopt a strictly gluten-free diet, which can be challenging after decades of eating gluten. Helpful strategies include creating gluten-free kitchen areas, buying naturally gluten-free items, and examining food labels.

A 2025 Finnish study found that rosacea often goes undiagnosed in people ages 70 or older. Researchers say this might be due to busy physicians with limited awareness of rosacea or patients' own embarrassment or unwillingness to seek treatment.

A 2025 study found that in brain MRI scans, people with any evidence of gum disease were more likely to have higher amounts of a marker for disease in the brain's small blood vessels, compared to people without gum disease.

Total knee and hip replacements are highly successful procedures that can relieve pain and restore mobility for people with severe arthritis. Occasionally, joint replacement fails, and revision surgery is needed. Reasons for revision include infection, implant loosening, dislocation, and fracture. Warning signs of a problem include persistent pain, swelling, or instability. Revision surgeries are more complex, require longer recovery, and carry higher risks than the original surgery. Experienced surgeons who perform these procedures frequently tend to have the most success.

An analysis of 217 trials found that lower-impact aerobic exercise (walking, cycling, and swimming) is most effective for easing knee osteoarthritis pain and improving function. Other exercise types, such as flexibility, mind-body, neuromotor, and strengthening, also offer benefits.

In a 2025 study, skipping breakfast was associated with a 10% increased risk for metabolic syndrome, a disorder defined by having three or more of the following: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol.

Dry eye disease is broken down into two types: In aqueous-deficient dry eye, the eyes don't produce enough tears. In evaporative dry eye (sometimes called meibomian gland dysfunction) there are enough tears, but they're unstable and evaporate too quickly. Dry eye symptoms include eyes that feel gritty, sandy, stinging, burning, scratchy, tired, or sensitive to light. People with symptoms often forgo seeing a doctor. Artificial tears are an effective starting point for many cases of dry eye.