Inflammation Archive

In this quiz, test your knowledge of which foods can nourish your body and help prevent disease, and which foods can play an inflammatory role in the body.

An elevated lymphocyte count usually indicates a simple viral illness. Less often, it could indicate a blood cancer. How the number is calculated shapes what it may mean.

Warm, damp shoes can harbor fungus well after a skin infection clears. Fresh socks, antifungal powder, rotation, and retiring old shoes are all important.

Your immune system constantly defends you from harmful germs like bacteria and viruses, but your body also hosts trillions of helpful microbes-your microbiome-that live on your skin, in your gut, and elsewhere. These "good" germs help digest food, make vitamins, protect you from harmful invaders, and help regulate inflammation.

The Epstein-Barr virus that causes mononucleosis (mono) usually infects people during their childhood or the teenage years. The virus stays with people for life.

Sinusitis occurs when blocked sinuses cannot drain and the backed-up mucus gets infected. The simplest and often most effective treatment is daily nasal irrigation. It can also help to drink a lot of water, inhale steam, and sleep with the head elevated.

Monthly vitamin B₁₂ shots for pernicious anemia can be a hassle. Explore whether high‑dose vitamin B₁₂ pills or other non‑injection treatments might be an option.

Chronic inflammation occurs when the immune system is over-stimulated all the time. It’s not clear why chronic inflammation develops in the body, but it is linked to many chronic conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

In the US, widespread vaccination halted the ongoing spread of measles more than 20 years ago, but recent outbreaks have flared in over 20 US states, leading to hospitalizations and at least two deaths. Measles is highly preventable - here's what you need to know.

Mild sinus or ear infections don't necessarily mean delaying vaccination. Learn when to wait on your flu shot and how fast protection builds.