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Cromolyn sodium prevents and suppresses the over-active inflammatory process that contributes to allergy symptoms. It is a mast cell stabilizer and inhibits the release of histamine and immune proteins. There are several formulations of cromolyn sodium used for various indications: Cromolyn sodium for the treatment of allergies is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray under the brand name NasalCrom. A prescription ophthalmic solution—Crolom, Cromoptic, and Opticrom—is used for treating certain inflammatory eye conditions....

Some healthcare providers believe that what we eat may indeed affect our skin and make acne worse, and evidence is mounting that points a finger at something you probably think of as good for you: milk. Studies suggest that milk drinkers develop more severe acne than non-milk drinkers. Is There a Link? Not all experts and studies agree that milk is involved in acne, though, and not everyone who drinks a lot of milk breaks out in pimples, of course....

Eczema herpeticum (EH) is a serious and painful skin infection, which results in a rash and blistering on various parts of the body. EH is also known as Kaposi varicelliform eruption because it bears some resemblance to chickenpox, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. On the other hand, EH is typically caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus (HSV-1), the same virus that is responsible for cold sores in and around the mouth....

The myth that the normal process of aging causes profound physical loss or disability has fueled ageism for eons; a healthy older person has no problem seeing, hearing or thinking. Moreover, many healthy older people still have vigorous libidos and sex lives. In an estimated 50 percent of women, hormonal changes attributable to menopause can lead to vaginal dryness and other symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Despite the availability and efficacy of local vaginal estrogen therapy (estrogen creams), only about 60 percent of those experiencing GSM seek—or are provided—medical help and guidance....

The nose is the most commonly broken bone in the head. Broken noses are almost always the result of facial trauma. Symptoms include pain, visible deformity, bloody nose, and in severe cases difficulty breathing and bruising around the eyes or “black eyes.” A broken nose can cause a deviated septum. First Aid for Broken Noses If you think you might have a broken nose, you need medical attention. In the meantime, these are the things you need to do:...

Unfortunately, from a diagnosis standpoint, gallbladder cancer does not often have symptoms in the early, most curable stages of the disease. Many of the signs and symptoms of gallbladder cancer occur when the tumor is already in the advanced stages or when it has spread to nearby organs. When gallbladder cancer is diagnosed early, it is often found incidentally. In other words, you may have a workup for an unrelated problem or condition, and a scan finds a gallbladder cancer that does not yet have any symptoms by itself....

We’ve known for a long time that patients can leave a healthcare provider for a new one. But in recent years we are hearing more and more about healthcare providers who are dismissing their patients. Patients ask me frequently, “Can my healthcare provider dismiss me?” The answer is—yes it is legal and fair for a healthcare provider to fire a patient under any circumstances. But there are also circumstances under which a healthcare provider may not dismiss a patient....

In an unexpected association, sleep seems to have profound effects on children and their ability to grow normally. But how exactly do sleep problems affect growth hormone release in children? What sleep disorders might predispose a child to being shorter or gaining excess weight? The answers may surprise you and fortunately, effective treatments may lead to a growth spurt. Sleep Apnea and Growth Problems When sleep is disrupted in young children, especially those who have yet to finish growing, there can be significant consequences....

Thyroid eye disease affects the muscles and tissues of your eyes. It is caused by an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) from Graves’ disease. You may need to see specialists such as ophthalmologists, endocrinologists, internists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers to receive treatment for this condition. First, your healthcare provider will want to treat your Graves’ disease with medications, radioiodine therapy, or thyroid surgery. Managing your overactive thyroid is important for your eye health....

Induction refers to using strategies to begin the process of labor in a pregnant person. There are several ways to induce labor, including medications. Healthcare providers will sometimes induce labor when the health of the pregnant person or fetus is in question. Induction is not always the best option, and there are risks to inducing labor. Why Induce Labor? Typically, contractions occur naturally and start the process of labor. Healthcare providers may induce labor if:...

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been programs in place to help cover the costs of vaccines, testing, and treatment. But in April 2022, federal programs stopped reimbursing healthcare providers for administering the COVID-19 vaccine to people without insurance. Because of this, many people were faced with paying out of pocket for these services. Most health insurance plans in the United States have been covering the cost of COVID-19 vaccines for members....

A number of oils are known to ease the symptoms of eczema, due to their therapeutic benefits. One of these is olive oil. Olive oil offers anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects, but research shows it could actually make your eczema worse. This article discusses what you need to know about using olive oil for eczema. Is Olive Oil Good for Your Skin? Olive oil is a popular option when it comes to beauty products....

Research suggests there could be a potential link between polycystic ovary syndrome and psoriasis, which leads some to wonder if the same could be true for PCOS and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Despite the possible connection between PCOS and psoriasis, there isn’t a known link between PCOS and PsA. This article discusses these two conditions and how inflammation plays a role in both of them. The Connection Between PCOS and PsA PCOS is a condition that causes a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, excess body hair, menstrual period irregularities, and more....

Ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) refers to the measurement of your blood pressure over the course of 24 to 48 hours, using a portable digital blood pressure monitor. The monitor is usually fitted for you at your local clinic or hospital outpatient department and it looks like a normal blood pressure cuff that is attached to a small device which is worn on your belt for the next day. This machine will prompt inflation of the cuff at regular intervals of 15 to 20 minutes during the daytime for serial measurements of your blood pressure, and at 30 to 60-minute intervals while you sleep....

Rubella is caused by the Rubella virus, which is the only virus in the Rubivirus genus and belongs to the family of Togaviridae. Measles is caused by the Morbillivirus from the virus family Paramyxoviridae. Rubella is often called “German measles.” The viruses also cause different diseases. They are however both in the MMR vaccine which stands for Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (and in the MMRV vaccine which includes Varicella, or Chickenpox)....

Sotos syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes excessive physical growth during the first two decades of life, starting from infancy and going into the teen years. Sotos is sometimes accompanied by autism, speech impairments, and intellectual, social, and motor delays. While the condition does affect children in the school years and may continue to cause problems into adulthood, it is not life threatening. Most people with Sotos have normal life expectancies....

Even though the United States doesn’t offer paid leave for new parents, a rising number of Americans are supporting the measure. A new study found that Americans are aligned with a majority of people in over 20 countries who overwhelmingly support paid paternity leave. Key Takeaways A recent study found that over 86% of participants support paid paternity leave.Nine states and Washington D.C. have passed legislation to enact paid family leave policies in the United States....

People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience nightmares in which they re-experience the trauma they went through. The prevalence of PTSD nightmares seems to be higher among people with a coexisting anxiety or panic disorder. The nightmares may occur multiple times per week and can be very distressing and disruptive to the sleep of the affected person and others in the household. This article will go over how PTSD can cause sleep disturbances such as nightmares, and what treatment options are available....

Mast cells are cells found in connective tissue throughout our bodies as part of our immune system. Mast cells are particularly prominent in tissues of our bodies that interact with our external world, such as those found on our skin and in our respiratory and digestive tracts. Mast cells can also be found in the organs and tissue of our circulatory and nervous systems. Mast cells play an important role in protecting our health by providing a line of defense against pathogens....

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is when Candida, the type of fungus that causes yeast infections, overgrows in the mouth. Even though it’s easy to think of oral thrush as an infection affecting only the inside of your mouth, it can actually also affect your lips. Candida normally lives on the skin and inside the body, in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems....