Diseases & Conditions Archive

An ad for a medication featuring a person sitting on a toilet in multiple settings is eye-catching, but as with most drug ads, it doesn't provide some important information — such as common symptoms of the condition the drug is meant to treat.

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under a year old. Usually, cases drop in spring and summer, but the pattern is changing and parents should be watchful.

A 2023 study suggests that people with diabetes have higher risks of developing cardiovascular disease or dying earlier if they regularly drink sugary beverages.

A 2023 study suggests regular physical activity, including walking, climbing stairs, gardening, and cleaning, may help prevent or delay the onset of Parkinson's disease in women.

Misophonia is a sensory processing disorder characterized by extreme aversion to sounds people make, such as chewing, sniffling, throat-clearing, and heavy breathing. A 2023 study suggests one in five adults deals with misophonia, which can hamper family and social life. Treatment options typically blend behavior-based therapies with medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy is emerging as an evidence-based treatment. People with misophonia can also ease sound aversions by wearing earplugs or headphones and using white noise machines.

Fatigue affects up to three-quarters of older adults with chronic conditions. Some causes are obvious, while others are less well recognized. They include sleep disorders, anemia, poor diet, thyroid problems, mood disorders, and medication use. People with prolonged, unexplained fatigue should see a doctor, who will perform a physical exam, ask about medical history, and in some cases perform blood or other tests. People can boost energy levels by exercising more, optimizing diet, using caffeine strategically, and limiting alcohol consumption.

People who lose their sense of smell due to a virus or another cause are advised to begin smell retraining therapy as soon as possible. The therapy involves sniffing a wide variety of odor-generating elements, such as lemons or oranges, flowery perfumes, peanut butter, eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon, pine, peppermint, or cloves. Each material should be sniffed once or twice a day, for 30 seconds to two minutes. While sniffing, it helps to think about the scent and recall moments of smelling it in the past. This process helps trigger odor particle recognition, which is deeply seated in the brain and must be stimulated to re-establish function.

People with esophagitis (esophageal inflammation) can use proton-pump inhibitors to manage their acid reflux. This kind of medication can protect against scarring and narrowing of the lower esophagus.

Postprandial hypotension—low blood pressure after eating—is common in older adults. It occurs when blood flow is diverted away from the body, including the heart and brain, and instead gets routed to the stomach and intestines during digestion.

Lingering heat waves have brought warnings about recognizing and preventing heat-related illnesses. Heat rash, while not dangerous itself, can signal heat exposure that may lead to more serious conditions. Here's how to avoid and treat it.