Diseases & Conditions Archive

Diseases & Conditions

Sore throat soothers

Published December 1, 2021

Most sore throats are caused by non-life-threatening conditions or certain behaviors. But sometimes a sore throat may be an indication of COVID-19. One should call the doctor if experiencing difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, a high fever, or a cough that produces blood. Ways to relieve sore throat pain include staying hydrated, using over-the-counter painkillers, drinking warm liquids, using cough drops, using a spray or lozenge that contains an oral anesthetic to numb the throat, and treating an underlying condition causing sore throat pain.

Diseases & Conditions

What’s new in diabetes drugs

Published December 1, 2021

Two classes of diabetes drugs—GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors—have received much attention lately. They not only lower blood sugar, they also help with weight reduction and may lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. The drugs can be taken as daily oral tablets or in some cases weekly injections, both of which are preferable over daily insulin shots.

Diseases & Conditions

Tough to swallow

Published December 1, 2021

Losing the ability to properly swallow should not be attributed to older age. If older adults have persistent trouble swallowing, like the sensation something is stuck in their throat, or if it’s painful to swallow, it could be a sign of an underlying problem and should be checked out. Treatment depends on the source of the swallowing problem, but might include medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery.

Diseases & Conditions

Harvard Health Ad Watch: An upbeat ad for a psoriasis treatment

Published November 29, 2021

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by rough, inflamed patches. There are a number of treatment options available, including a medication called Skyrizi that is given as an injection. Does an upbeat, frequently-run ad on TV clearly deliver all the information people need to know about this drug –– or just some of it?

Diseases & Conditions

Less may be more when treating urinary tract infections

Published November 1, 2021

Researchers found that treating urinary tract infections with antibiotics for seven days was just as effective as treatment lasting 14 days. The shorter duration also can reduce the risk of medication side effects like diarrhea and nausea.

Diseases & Conditions

Should I be worried about fatty liver disease?

Published November 1, 2021

People with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which is fatty liver not caused by high alcohol intake, should refrain from most drinking and lose weight to avoid cirrhosis and lower their risk of liver cancer.

Diseases & Conditions

Why are mRNA vaccines so exciting?

Updated November 1, 2021

The first vaccines approved in the US to prevent COVID-19 were an entirely new type: mRNA vaccines. Over the past year, they've proven unusually effective and safe. How do mRNA vaccines differ from traditional vaccines, and what makes them so exciting?

Diseases & Conditions

Taming the chronic inflammation of psoriasis

Published November 1, 2021

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the immune system attacks the skin. It causes painful skin lesions and may also lead to psoriatic arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or coronary artery disease. Psoriasis treatments include topical steroids, gentle exfoliant lotions, emollients that keep the skin hydrated, ultraviolet light (phototherapy), laser therapies, vitamin A (retinoid creams), and medications (for moderate-to-severe psoriasis). People with psoriasis are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 with an mRNA vaccine (from either Pfizer or Moderna) as soon as possible, if they haven’t already done so.

Diseases & Conditions

4 reasons for tingling or numbness in the arms and legs

Published November 1, 2021

There are lots of reasons for numbness or tingling in the limbs. Constant or recurrent symptoms point to a potentially serious cause. One possibility is peripheral neuropathy, which damages nerves throughout the body. Another is peripheral artery disease—a narrowing of the arteries in the limbs that reduces blood flow. Another is nerve compression, which might be caused by sciatica (irritation of the sciatic nerve in the legs) or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). When numbness or tingling persists, one should report the symptoms to a doctor right away.

Diseases & Conditions

Casing the joints

Published November 1, 2021

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis among older adults. Often called the "wear and tear" disease, osteoarthritis doesn’t occur because of overusing or stressing one’s joints. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, people can lower their risk or better manage the condition by losing excess weight, strengthening the muscles surrounding joints, and using over-the-counter pain medication as needed.

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Diseases & Conditions Archive

Articles

Sore throat soothers

What’s new in diabetes drugs

Tough to swallow

Harvard Health Ad Watch: An upbeat ad for a psoriasis treatment

Less may be more when treating urinary tract infections

Should I be worried about fatty liver disease?

Why are mRNA vaccines so exciting?

Taming the chronic inflammation of psoriasis

4 reasons for tingling or numbness in the arms and legs

Casing the joints

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