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Methadone—isn’t that the drug for heroin addicts? That’s a question I’m accustomed to hearing from leery patients and families when I inform them that their physician has ordered methadone for pain. While it’s true that methadone is used to treat narcotic withdrawal symptoms, methadone is also a very effective medication to treat moderate to severe pain. Morphine has earned the title of the gold standard for pain control, the opioid all others are compared to thanks to its effectiveness, ease of administration, and low cost....

Ovarian cysts are sacs in the ovaries filled with fluid or tissue. They are common, with 20% of women developing at least one in their lifetime. Cysts that form as part of the menstrual cycle during ovulation are functional or simple cysts. Simple cysts are usually asymptomatic (without symptoms) and resolve on their own. They are common in premenopausal women of reproductive age due to hormonal changes. Complex cysts are unrelated to the menstrual cycle and contain blood or solid substances....

Children who are infected with COVID-19 are at a higher risk of developing diabetes, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Key Takeaways COVID-19 may increase the risk of new diabetes in kids, according to a CDC study.Warning signs of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, rapid weight loss, and fatigue.Vaccinations, masking, and social distancing measures can help protect both adults and children from COVID-19 infection and complications....

Lipodystrophy, the sometimes unsightly redistribution of body fat, had long been considered a side effect associated with a number of antiretroviral drugs, particularly earlier generation agents like Zerit (stavudine) and Retrovir (AZT). In recent years, other agents have been added to the list of possible suspects, including Sustiva (efavirenz), Isentress (raltegravir), and the class of HIV drugs called protease inhibitors. With that being said, the exact cause for lipodystrophy—either in the way of fat accumulation (lipohypertrophy) or fat loss (lipoatrophy)—remains largely unclear....

For years, acetaminophen (also called paracetamol) has been considered a safe medication to take for pain relief during pregnancy. Key Takeaways In a new paper, researchers are warning pregnant people not to take acetaminophen, a common over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to treat pain and relieve fevers.The researchers cite some previous research that linked acetaminophen use in pregnancy to negative health outcomes in babies and children.Doctors say that pregnant people should be cautious about taking any medications, including acetaminophen....

A rhytidectomy (facelift), is a surgical procedure that is done to change some of the visible signs of aging in the face and neck. A facelift can involve removal of facial fat, tightening of facial muscles, and trimming or redraping of the facial skin to produce a smoother, firmer facial appearance. A facelift procedure may include surgery on the face, neck, and/or around the ears. This type of surgery does not reduce fine lines and wrinkles or reverse sun damage....

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin well. This leads to high blood sugar levels, medically known as hyperglycemia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 37 million Americans have diabetes. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. One risk factor is a diet high in processed, sugary, and high-fat foods....

Gram staining is a microbiological procedure that categorizes bacteria based on the physical and chemical structure of their outer surface. This is done just with a slide, a microscope, and stains. This procedure is commonly used for detection and identification of bacteria both in research and clinical laboratories. Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria are loosely categorized into two types, gram-positive and gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick layer made up of polymers of protein-sugar molecules called peptidoglycan....

A hand fracture occurs when one of the small bones of the hand is broken. There are several small bones that together make up the supporting framework of the hand. These are the small finger bones, known as the phalanges; and the long bones, known as the metacarpals. Causes Most hand fractures occur as a result of direct trauma to the hand—either an object falls on the hand or the hand strikes an object....

Panic attacks are short periods of intense fear or discomfort characterized by feelings of dread and fear and physical symptoms like shaking, sweating, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Panic attacks can be scary, especially if you aren’t familiar with them. This article will discuss how to recognize when someone is having a panic attack, what to say and do for them, things to avoid, and when to seek help. How to Recognize a Panic Attack A panic attack is a type of anxiety disorder....

Feeling uptight or stressed out? You can help your body to feel immediately more relaxed and refreshed in moments with some simple deep breathing techniques. Of all of the available relaxation exercises, deep breathing exercises are the most portable — you can do them anytime, anywhere and no one will know what you are up to. Like all skills, the more you practice deep breathing exercises, the better you will get at calming your body more quickly and more deeply....

Many viruses can cause sniffles and other cold symptoms, including human metapneumovirus (hMPV). When you experience an upper respiratory infection, you may have one caused by human metapneumovirus. For most people, symptoms stick around for a few days and fade without medical treatment. However, some people may develop complications from hMPV if the illness begins to affect the lower respiratory system (the airways and lungs). This article will look at how to cope with human metapneumovirus, precautions you can take while sick to prevent its spread and avoid complications, and warning signs that the illness has become more serious....

While malignant melanoma of the colon and rectum is not a common condition, it can occur when the cancer has either spread (metastasized) from a tumor on the skin or returned in a person who has previously been treated. It is estimated that less than two percent of colorectal cancers are the result of melanoma. However, when it does occur, it is usually very aggressive and far more difficult to treat....

Morphine Sulfate is a narcotic opioid analgesic, which means it’s a drug that provides the same type of pain relief as opium derived from the poppy plant. Morphine is a powerful pain reliever used for both acute (short term) and chronic pain. It is also used, much less frequently, as a cough suppressant, for difficulty breathing, and to stop diarrhea. Morphine was first purified from the opium poppy in the early 1800s....

Polycystic ovary syndrome (also referred to as “polycystic ovarian syndrome” or “polycystic ovary disease”) is a condition that causes numerous small cysts to develop in the ovaries. The most common hormonal disorder for women of childbearing age, polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to infertility in some cases. Symptoms In many cases, symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome develop soon after females first begin menstruating. However, the condition can also develop during the reproductive years, especially after a significant weight gain....

Natural burn remedies can help reduce the pain and inflammation caused by burns. In some cases, the remedies can also promote healing. While natural burn remedies may offer certain benefits, it’s important to remember that some types of burns require medical attention. This article explains the difference between first-, second-, and third-degree burns and lists three natural burn remedies to consider. Types of Burns First- and second-degree burns are considered minor burns....

Overuse syndromes, also called cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) or repetitive strain injury (RSI), are conditions characterized by chronic physical movements that can be harmful to a body part. Many conditions fall under the category of overuse syndromes, some of which are described here: Hand and Wrist Overuse of the hands and wrists are common with many daily activities. Whether we work a desk job at a computer or as manual laborers, our hands are doing the routine activities that we all need for most any job....

Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) glaucoma (also known as exfoliative glaucoma or exfoliation syndrome) is a type of open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is an eye disease in which the pressure in the eye is higher than normal causing damage to the optic nerve, the nerve cable that connects the eye to the brain. Over time, nerve fibers may die causing loss of vision. Eye pressure increases inside the eye for a variety of reasons but usually does so because there is too much fluid for the eye or the eye’s filter, called the trabecular meshwork, becomes plugged up....

Adding extra salt to your food might shorten your life expectancy, according to a new study published in the European Heart Journal. Key Takeaways A new study suggested that adults who regularly add salt to their food after cooking may be at a greater risk of dying early than those who never or rarely salt their food.Eating potassium-rich fruits and vegetables may help mitigate excessive sodium consumption.Aromatic herbs and spices could be a healthier alternative to salt....

Shaving is the process of removing hair from various parts of the body using a razor or blade. One part of the body that is commonly shaved is the pubic region, also known as the “bikini area.” Given this is a sensitive part of the body, razor burn can sometimes occur due to shaving. That said, razor burn can occur anywhere on the body that is shaved. Read on to learn more about razor burn in regards to the bikini area, how to treat it, and other conditions that may mimic razor burn symptoms....