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Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) is an emerging treatment for sleep apnea. Unlike continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), EPAP does not require any bulky or noisy machinery. It also doesn’t require batteries or electricity. Some healthcare professionals consider it preferable to CPAP because patients are more likely to use it consistently. EPAP is a disposable one-way resister valve that is worn over the nostrils. It works similarly to CPAP but only provides minimal resistance on inhaling and positive pressure on exhaling....

The gradual deterioration of the discs between the vertebrae in the spine is referred to as degenerative disc disease (DDD). As people age, the composition of the cartilage of the body changes, resulting in thinner and more fragile cartilage. The changes cause the discs and joints that stack the vertebrae (also known as facet joints) to wear and tear over time. Degeneration of the structures of the spine is also known as spondylosis....

Lower back pain is a silent affliction that most people experience. According to a study published in BMJ Clinical Evidence, seven out of every ten people will suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives. And of those, 7% will develop chronic low back pain (CLBP). Key Takeaways ReActiv8 is an implant approved for the treatment of multifidus muscle dysfunction.The implant uses electrical stimulation to induce contraction in the lower back muscle, correcting a weakness that causes pain....

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is one of the most common types of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, or NHL. It is a slow-growing lymphoma, and often it’s not immediately life threatening. Because it grows slowly and inconspicuously, most people do not recognize any problems while the disease is in its early stages. By the time the disease is diagnosed most patients (80%-85%) have widespread disease that often involves many lymph node areas, the bone marrow, spleen or other organs....

It’s ironic that something you could take to improve your health actually could make you sick. But if you have food allergies, it’s a real possibility: fillers, binders, and other ingredients in both prescription and over-the-counter medications often contain common hidden allergens. These ingredients can be difficult to avoid, too, because of some of the oddities in how medications are labeled and the circumstances in which you may be given medicine....

Fructose is a type of sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and honey. Fructose is also found in high-fructose corn syrup, which is an artificial sweetener used in sodas, canned fruits, and packaged desserts. In some people, ingesting foods that contain this type of sugar causes unpleasant digestive symptoms, like bloating, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea. Research suggests that this condition, called fructose intolerance, may contribute to or even cause the symptoms of intestinal distress seen in some patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)....

Irritable bowel syndrome mixed type (IBS-M) is a subtype of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). When you have IBS-M, you experience all of the typical symptoms of IBS, but without a consistent bowel habit. You will find yourself dealing with episodes of both diarrhea and constipation. The changing nature of bowel symptoms can make it difficult to find strategies that bring about symptom relief. Rome IV Criteria for IBS With Mixed Bowel Habits (IBS-M) IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder diagnosed by applying standards known as the Rome criteria....

Mucolytics are a class of drugs used to break up and thin mucus and make it easier to clear from the airways by coughing it up. Mucinex (guaifenesin) is a common example of a mucolytic. Mucus is the gelatinous goo produced by mucous membranes of the lungs. It’s common in people who have respiratory conditions. Mucolytics are used to treat respiratory conditions such as the common cold, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and other conditions marked by excess mucus and a productive (mucus-producing) cough....

Muscle origin is a term referring to one end of a muscle, generally at the location where it attaches to a bone. The main part of the muscle called the belly of the muscle, then crosses over the gap between this bone and another usually adjacent bone — to attach there. The end of the muscle that attaches to the second bone is called the insertion. Muscle origins and insertions are also called muscle attachments....

Omicron subvariant BA.2 is now estimated to be the dominant COVID-19 strain in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Experts fear the emergence and rapid spread of the subvariant may cause another surge in COVID-19 cases. Key Takeaways A new preprint study suggests that it’s rare to get reinfected with the BA.2 variant if you were previously infected with Omicron’s BA.1 variant.Although natural immunity provides protection against COVID-19 to some extent, it’s still important to get vaccinated....

Potato is a commonly used ingredient around the world. An allergy to potato is rare, but allergies have been reported. This article will discuss the symptoms of potato allergy, causes, risk factors, tests, diagnosis, and tips for living with potato allergy. Symptoms of Potato Allergy People with an allergy to potato may experience a variety of symptoms, including: Itchy eyesSneezingTingling and/or itching in the mouthDizzinessFeeling light-headedDiarrheaNauseaVomitingPain in the abdomenA rash or hivesProblems swallowingFacial swellingSwelling in the mouth or throatShortness of breath Though rare, severe allergy to potato can cause an anaphylactic reaction—a severe, life-threatening whole-body allergic reaction....

Having psoriasis on arms, which are often visible, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflamed, scaly patches or plaques on the skin. While it’s nothing to be ashamed of, some people are insecure about psoriasis on arms, psoriasis bumps on elbows, or psoriasis on hands. This article will discuss types of psoriasis and answer questions, including “what does psoriasis look like?” We’ll cover causes, treatments, and how to feel better physically and emotionally with psoriasis on the arms....

The pulmonary valve is one of four valves within the heart. It delivers blood from the heart into the lungs. When the pulmonary valve does not fully close, blood can flow back into the heart before it goes into the lungs to gather oxygen. This is called pulmonary regurgitation. Approximately 2.5% of the U.S. population suffers from valvular heart disease and it is typically found in older adults. Pulmonary valve regurgitation accounts for up to 20% of heart valve disease....

Medical experts believe it’s quite safe for children with egg allergies to get the MMR vaccine, even if their allergy is severe. Since this question first was raised more than two decades ago, several studies have documented the safety of the MMR vaccine in children who are allergic to eggs. You certainly should discuss any concerns you have about the recommended vaccine schedule with your child’s pediatrician, but there’s no real cause for concern—and some very real reasons to make sure your child gets the shot....

Early symptoms of COVID-19 may be different based on a person’s sex and age, according to new research. Key Takeaways Researchers found that a person’s age and sex may influence which early signs of COVID-19 they’re more likely to experience.Fever, a commonly reported COVID-19 symptom, was not found to be an early marker of the virus in this study.Doctors stress the importance of getting tested, regardless of your early symptoms. The July study, which was published in The Lancet Digital Health, analyzed data collected between April and October 2020 from the ZOE COVID Symptom Study app, a UK-based app that invites people to report how they’re feeling on a daily basis....

Terminal ileitis is the inflammation of the terminal end of the ileum, which is the last section of the small intestine before it leads into the large intestine. This inflammation affects the health of the gastrointestinal (GI) system, which, in turn, may show up as GI symptoms, such as abdominal pain and cramping or diarrhea. Terminal ileitis is often associated with Crohn’s disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, but that is not always the case....

The use of ribbons and specific colors to raise awareness of a cause has become omnipresent over the past decade. While certain versions like the pink breast cancer ribbon or the red AIDS ribbon are easily identifiable, others are not as familiar. In spite of the impact it has on millions of Americans, many people are not aware that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has its own distinct ribbon and set of colors....

Standing up from a chair doesn’t seem like something that needs instructions. But if you have difficulty with it—a common issue for older people and others who have been injured or suffer from certain medical conditions—knowing how to stand up from a seated position properly is important for preventing injuries. When the body is already dealing with compromised strength and balance, the simple act of standing up puts the body in a vulnerable position....

Running is a sport of passion. Why else would we torture our bodies with miles of punishment every day? Running injuries are an unfortunate but all too common occurrence. Understanding a running injury is the key to effective treatment. Here you will find resources that explain common problems and offer information about types of treatment for a running injury. Hip and Thigh Injuries Hip Bursitis Inflammation of the bursa over the outside of the hip joint, so-called trochanteric bursitis, can cause pain with hip movement....

Nearly half of all adults with type 2 diabetes also have arthritis, most often osteoarthritis. The two conditions are common and share some underlying risk factors, such as increased age and weight; both may involve inflammation in the body. This article discusses type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis, how they impact each other, treatment, and management. Connection Between Type 2 Diabetes and Osteoarthritis Both osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes are common, particularly in older adults....