Diseases & Conditions Archive

Measles have made a comeback, with outbreaks in many states. The infection is extremely contagious and can be deadly. Most people getting measles were not vaccinated against it. Adults should get the vaccine if they were born after 1957 and didn't receive two doses. They should get a booster shot if they received the vaccine between 1963 and 1968, when the vaccine used was not as strong as the one that's been given since 1968.

In its 2025 guidelines for treating restless legs syndrome (RLS), the American Academy of Sleep Medicine stopped recommending the long-term use of dopamine agonist drugs, since they can eventually make RLS symptoms worse. Instead, the guidelines strongly recommend another class of medications as the first-line treatment: alpha-2-delta ligands, such as gabapentin (Neurontin), gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant), and pregabalin (Lyrica). Alpha-2-delta ligands do not make RLS symptoms worse.

Typical insect bites produce redness, itching, swelling, and pain. Signs of a more severe bug bite include hives, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, drainage, rashes, blisters, numbness, or skin discoloration. People with any of these bug bite symptoms should see a doctor.

Many home remedies can soothe tired, dry eyes, such as applying warm compresses, taking regular breaks from electronics, staying hydrated, and using artificial tears. People who struggle using eye drops can try over-the-counter devices that make application easier.

Ticks are an increasingly common source of illness, especially in the summer months. While these illnesses used to be common only in certain areas of the country, today more people across the United States are at risk. These conditions typically produce nonspecific symptoms such as fever, headache, and joint pain, and are treated using antibiotics.

A bird flu strain that began circulating in 2020 continues to evolve globally and locally within the United States. If you're wondering what this means, understanding the basics - what bird flu is, how it spreads, whether foods are safe, and prevention tips - can help.

Blood pressure problems might contribute to glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerves and causes vision loss. If blood pressure is too low, for example, blood flow to the optic nerves might decrease. That could deprive the optic nerves of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in nerve damage. High blood pressure might also reduce blood flow to the optic nerves, by damaging the blood vessels that supply the nerves. If glaucoma gets worse despite treatment, blood pressure should be considered as a factor.

Diverticula-little pockets that develop in the lining of the colon-can become inflamed or infected and cause bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and pain in the lower left abdomen. The problem, called diverticulitis, might go away on its own, but first-time sufferers should report symptoms to the doctor right away. People with a history of diverticulitis can likely wait a day or two, but then call a doctor if symptoms don't improve. Treatment for diverticulitis ranges from rest, a clear liquid diet, and antibiotics to hospitalization or surgery.

Surgery is usually warranted when bunion pain becomes disabling, a skin ulcer develops, or it's necessary to prevent a bunion from dislocating the second toe. However, recovery can be long and painful, and there's no guarantee that bunions won't come back. Prior to surgery, it might help to use strategies that reduce bunion pain, such as adding cushioning to shoes, stretching shoes where a bunion rubs against them, getting roomier shoes or shoes made with stretchy fabrics, and using toe spacers.