Diseases & Conditions Archive

Articles

Can probiotics help calm inflammatory bowel disease?

Approximately three million Americans have an inflammatory bowel disease. Current therapies for IBD suppress the immune system to reduce inflammation, but some preliminary studies have investigated whether probiotics are beneficial for people with IBD.

Celiac disease: Exploring four myths

While medical knowledge on celiac disease has evolved over the past few decades, there are still aspects that remain poorly understood. Perhaps not surprisingly, misconceptions are widespread among the general public.

Why do I have trouble swallowing?

Common causes of persistent or recurrent swallowing difficulty include medication side effects, an inflamed esophagus, an enlarged thyroid, among others. A doctor can conduct several tests to help identify the problem and offer appropriate treatment.

The hidden dangers of prediabetes

About 98 million Americans have prediabetes, in which the average amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood is high but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. While people with prediabetes want to avoid getting diabetes, prediabetes can be dangerous on its own, as it increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and fatty liver disease. Controlling blood pressure, lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol, and managing glucose levels with weight loss, exercise, and diet offers protection against diabetes and these conditions.

Using a salt substitute can lower risk of developing high blood pressure

A 2024 study suggests that swapping table salt for a salt substitute can markedly lower the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Can't shake that cough?

The average cough, typically due to a cold or other respiratory virus, lasts three weeks or less. A lingering or chronic cough lasts eight weeks or longer. Most causes of chronic cough aren't serious, such as bronchitis, seasonal allergies, or medication side effects. People should see a doctor if over-the-counter treatments haven't worked or if they experience signs such as breathlessness, wheezing, chest pain, blood in the sputum, weight loss, or fatigue. Before an appointment, people should track their cough and note its patterns to offer clues for diagnosis.

Antidepressants: Not just for mood disorders

Antidepressants influence the way brain chemicals regulate mood and other body functions and behaviors. Examples include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa); and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). Although the medications are commonly used to treat depression, sometimes they are used to treat other conditions such as insomnia, headaches, gynecological pain, or nerve pain.

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