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It is estimated that 155,000 women (and men) in the United States currently have metastatic breast cancer, which means that the cancer has spread to the bones, liver, lungs, brain or other parts of the body. Approximately 22% of those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer survive up to five years, but the average survival rate is only three years. Nearly 40,000 people die each year as a result of metastasis of breast cancer, and there are many more who live with advanced disease....

Urticaria is the term for hives, a skin condition involving red, itchy bumps. Pressure urticaria is a type of hives caused by prolonged pressure on the skin over a long period, such as from carrying something heavy, an object resting on the body, or wearing tight clothing. About 2% to 5% of people experience pressure urticaria, either immediate or delayed. Learn more about pressure urticaria, the types, symptoms, causes, treatment options, and more....

Range of motion (ROM) is a term used to describe how far you can move a joint or muscle in various directions. It is used to measure how much you can move a joint on your own (active ROM) or with the assistance of someone else (passive ROM). While the range of motion of a joint can vary from one person to the next, there are expected (normal) values that a healthcare provider will use to determine if your movement is in any way restricted....

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is heart valve damage that arises as a complication of rheumatic fever years after the illness has resolved. It develops as a result of chronic inflammation and scarring of the heart valves triggered by rheumatic fever—an inflammatory autoimmune disease that can develop as a result of strep throat or scarlet fever. If not treated, rheumatic heart disease can progress to heart failure. Causes Rheumatic heart disease is a direct result of rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease caused by infection with group A streptococcus bacteria, which are responsible for illnesses such as strep throat and scarlet fever....

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis and an autoimmune disease. An RA flare, also known as an exacerbation, is when a person experiences transient worsening of their RA symptoms—such as joint pain and swelling—which indicates increased inflammation and disease activity. RA flares vary widely in frequency, duration, and severity. Flares can be predictable (triggered by something) or unpredictable. Self-care measures like rest and anti-inflammatory medicines may be able to help with flares, but when they don’t, it’s time to see a healthcare provider....

With opioid-related deaths continuing to rise, especially due to COVID-19 pandemic, physicians are looking for alternatives to the drugs, while reducing doses for patients already on prescriptions. Key Takeaways A new study found that opioid tapering was associated with higher incidences of overdoses and mental health crises.There was a 68% increase in overdose events for people who tapered off opioids compared to non-tapered patients.Dose tapering should be conducted slowly with close and psychological support to prevent the patient from experiencing negative effects....

According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, as the COVID-19 pandemic surges, more people may be turning to alcohol to cope with unprecedented uncertainty and stress. Key Takeaways A recent study shows an increase in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic.Uncertainty and grief during the pandemic may be causing the rise in alcohol consumption. It’s important to use healthy coping skills to avoid the adverse health effects caused by excessive alcohol use....

Swollen ears can occur due to a variety of reasons, including: A piercingInfection The location of the swelling can be: In the ear canalOn the earlobeOn the cartilageOn the external portion of the ear This article discusses the types of ear swelling along with potential treatment options. Types of Ear Swelling Swelling can happen in different areas of the ear: The outer ear consists of the pinna, or auricle; this is the outside/external part of the ear....

A new study shows that administering a third COVID-19 vaccine dose to solid organ transplant recipients may sufficiently increase their antibodies. Key Takeaways Research shows that a third COVID-19 vaccine dose may increase antibody levels in solid organ transplant recipients.Transplant recipients often take medications that suppress their immune systems to prevent organ rejection, which leads to a suboptimal antibody response.Further research is necessary to see if an increase in antibody levels indicates better immunity against COVID-19....

A majority of people over the age of 65 have hypertension (high blood pressure), which is a major risk factor for stroke, coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, and kidney disease. It’s important for people with hypertension to receive effective treatment, no matter what their age. Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Many older people with hypertension primarily have elevations in their systolic blood pressure, while their diastolic pressure remains normal or nearly normal....

When a patient experiences pain in the chest, they are often unsure about where they should go. Should they call 911, go to the emergency room, visit an urgent care center, or try to see their primary care doctor? It’s not always an easy decision. Moreover, the cost of making the wrong decision can be significant, affecting either your pocketbook or your health. Urgent vs. Emergency Care Some conditions are considered absolute emergencies: heart attacks, strokes, sepsis, anaphylaxis, and gunshot wounds are just some of the medical conditions that are universally considered emergencies....

The swelling of the lower leg and ankle is a common problem. Determining the cause of ankle swelling is the first step to finding an effective treatment. Once the cause of the ankle swelling is determined, effective treatment can be initiated. Ankle swelling causes the accumulation of fluid within the ankle joint or in the soft tissues surrounding the ankle. Common causes of ankle swelling include the following. Traumatic Injury A traumatic injury to the leg, including an ankle sprain or a broken ankle, can be a cause of ankle swelling....

Puffy eyes can affect your appearance and may feel uncomfortable. There are many causes of puffy, swollen eyes. Sometimes puffy eyes aren’t caused by anything serious and might be more of a cosmetic nuisance than anything else. However, they can occur due to illnesses, such as Graves’ disease, that require medical treatment. Aging While aging doesn’t cause eye swelling, it can cause bags under the eyes that have a puffy, swollen appearance....

A cavity is a small hole in your tooth that occurs when the hard outer layer of the tooth, called enamel, is damaged. Although you might not notice a cavity forming at first, it can eventually cause pain. In more serious cases, a cavity can result in a dental procedure called a root canal. Cavities are a common dental problem. In fact, about 91% of Americans over the age of 20 have experienced a cavity....

Do you experience pain or cramps between periods? If you do, you may be experiencing Mittelschmerz. Overview Mittelschmerz is pelvic pain and cramping that occurs during ovulation in some women. The word Mittelschmerz originates from Germany and translated means “middle pain.” It typically refers to the discomfort some women feel around the time that an egg is released from the ovary. Ovulation occurs at roughly the midpoint of your menstrual cycle....

Cocoa butter is a great moisturizer. It’s often used as an after sun balm. It smells amazingly like a chocolate bar. Cocoa butter is also used to try to fade away dark marks on the skin, including those spots that acne breakouts leave behind. But is it effective? Can cocoa butter fade acne marks? What Are Those Dark Marks? Acne marks, or those dark marks that blemishes leave behind after they have healed, are called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation....

As is the case for most people, for those with type 2 diabetes, breakfast arguably is the most important meal of the day. Research suggests starting the day with a substantial meal that’s relatively high in fat and protein and low in carbohydrates can help to improve blood sugar control throughout the day and aid in weight loss. In one randomized study, participants ate either a small, high-carb breakfast or a larger, high protein/high fat breakfast for three months that provided about 33% of total daily calories....

As COVID-19 variants circulate widely across the U.S., infection rates and hospitalizations, which were dropping steadily since January, are now on the rise. But vaccinations are still stalling. Key Themes From Our Survey Despite increasing infections and hospitalizations, COVID-19 vaccination rates remain at a standstill.Americans are worried about the spread of the Delta variant and others like it.States may be forced to reinstate COVID precautions like mask mandates. Making up most of those new cases and hospitalizations: large chunks of the remaining unvaccinated population....

Confusion is not uncommon after surgery, especially in the first few hours following surgery. General anesthesia, which renders the patient unconscious for the procedure and sometimes for hours afterward, is more likely to cause confusion than other types of anesthesia. It is normal to ask questions repeatedly, forgetting that the question was asked and answered, due to anesthesia and pain medications. For most patients, this forgetfulness and confusion clears up in the first few hours after surgery....

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare and often progressive disease that can affect your physical and mental health. Even though the condition is rare—only about 1 in 1 million people develop it—there is a lot of research and support for people living with PNH. Read on to discover what you can do to manage and cope with PNH, as well as where to find support to improve your overall health and well-being....