Oral appliances are sometimes recommended for managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A tongue stabilizing device (TSD) is one that can help sleep apnea by pulling the tongue forward, improving breathing and reducing waking up throughout the night due to low oxygen levels. This article describes how a tongue stabilizing device works for sleep apnea, who it may be appropriate for, how to use one, and possible issues with using this appliance....
Nasal polyps are soft, usually benign growths inside the nasal or sinus passageways caused by chronic inflammation. People with allergies or frequent sinus infections (inflammation of the nasal cavity and sinuses) commonly suffer from nasal polyps. Nasal polyps increase sinus pressure. This can affect the Eustachian tube, which in turn disrupts balance and equilibrium, causing dizziness, or vertigo. This article discusses dizziness associated with nasal polyps. Sinus Pressure Sinus pressure is best described as pain and a feeling of fullness in the face....
A separated shoulder happens when you injure ligaments around the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. This is where the collarbone, or clavicle, meets the highest point of the shoulder blade. In severe cases, the collarbone may separate from its normal attachment from the shoulder blade. Often confused with a shoulder dislocation, shoulder separation is a different injury. People who have a shoulder separation may notice a bump or pain on top of their shoulders....
Asacol is used to treat inflammation in the large intestine in people who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is most frequently used to treat mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, but it can also be used in certain patients with Crohn’s disease. Asacol is one brand of mesalamine; other include Pentasa and Rowasa. Why Is Asacol Prescribed? Asacol is used as a maintenance drug, which means that it is helpful in retaining a remission (a period of little or no disease activity) but not in suppressing a flare-up (a period with signs and symptoms of active disease)....
Astigmatism is a common refractive error that happens when parts of the eye are irregularly shaped, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina. As a result, people with this condition complain of blurred and distorted vision. This refractive error occurs in about one in three people and may occur in combination with near- or farsightedness. Getting a comprehensive eye exam is the best way to diagnose astigmatism. An optometrist or ophthalmologist will perform a few tests to see how the eyes focus light and the power of any corrective lenses needed to improve vision....
A back strain occurs when you injure one or more of the muscles or tendons that support or move your spine. Back strains are among the most common types of back injuries. Back Strain Symptoms and Causes You have many muscles in your back, and tendons attach muscles to bones. During a back strain injury, you can stretch one or more of these structures. Back strain typically causes an achy pain that’s usually limited to the injured area....
There’s a growing trend of tattoos that are intended to replace the use of medical jewelry in emergency situations. It might be on your wrist, stating that you have an allergy or a medical condition. It’s also common to find a “D.N.R.” tattoo, meaning that someone does not wish to be resuscitated. These are typically on the chest with the intention of being easy to find before administering CPR. Before you decide to permanently commit to a tattoo for emergency medical notification, ask yourself, “Will the paramedics or doctors follow my wishes or even notice the tattoo?...
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep complaints and is characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. There are multiple types of insomnia based on the duration and potential causes. Of the types lasting less than three months, a more common one is short-term or acute insomnia. What is acute insomnia? Learn about the definition of short-term insomnia, the causes, the classic symptoms, and how it is diagnosed and treated....
College students who vape and smoke e-cigarettes are at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder, new research finds. Key Takeaways New research finds that there’s a possible link between vaping and eating disorders among college students.People with eating disorders often also experience other mental disorders, such as substance abuse.Learning more about the connection between vaping and eating disorders can help clinicians better screen people and improve early intervention. These new findings match up with previous research that shows people who have eating disorders are likely to have other mental disorders, such as substance abuse....
Ear grommets are synthetic tubes which are inserted into the eardrum to keep the middle ear aerated and allow for the drainage of excess fluid. This procedure is commonly performed on young children who are more likely to experience fluid in the ear and recurrent ear infections. Fluid in the ear (otitis media) occurs when the eustachian tube becomes blocked, trapping fluid inside. Causes for otitis media include: Enlargement of the adenoids, turbinates, or sinus tissue The horizontal position of the eustachian tube in children which is prone to the accumulation of debris and fluid How Ear Grommets Are Inserted While the surgical insertion of an ear grommet takes only around 15 minutes to perform, general anesthesia is usually required....
Facilitated Communication is a nearly-debunked approach to communication with non-verbal people on the autism spectrum. It involves the use of a keyboard and a “facilitator” whose job is to support the autistic person as they type their responses to questions, thoughts, and concerns. In some cases, the support involves the physical touching of the autistic person’s arms. How Supporters of FC Describe the Process The Syracuse University Department of Education’s Institute of Communication and Inclusion continues to teach FC as a legitimate form of communication....
Fecal-oral transmission occurs when infectious particles (pathogens) from feces are ingested through the mouth. These pathogens can be bacteria, viruses, or parasites. What the Fecal Oral Route Has to Do With Sex The fecal-oral route has been linked to the passing of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs, formerly referred to as sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs). This risk is mostly through rimming and oral sex. Rimming is also known as analingus or anilingus....
Fibromyalgia is often thought of as a “women’s condition,” but men can have it as well. Men with fibromyalgia are definitely outnumbered—women make up about 90 percent of cases. That doesn’t mean the diagnosis shouldn’t be considered in men, though. After all, according to National Fibromyalgia Association estimates, 10 percent could mean one million men are living with illness. Often Overlooked Because of gender disparity, we know a lot more about how fibromyalgia affects women....
We have fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) — aren’t we sick enough already? Yes, we are, but that doesn’t mean we’re immune to all the bugs that go around. Whether you get a bad case of it or not, you’re likely to feel it more than most people, and illness can trigger a flare. Prevention Is Key The best way to deal with illness is to head it off at the pass....
A blood test using just a drop of blood that people can do themselves can help determine if they have been exposed to hepatitis C as well as how much virus is present in their bodies. Key Takeaways A test that determines both the presence of antibodies to hepatitis C and the amount of the virus in the blood can help people infected with the virus get treatment sooner.The test uses a single drop of blood on a card....
Alcohol is known to have an effect on thyroid function, but the specifics are unclear. Some studies have reported that alcohol causes cellular toxicity, which results in a direct suppression of thyroid function. Other studies show that consuming alcohol in moderation has been reported to decrease the risk of developing hypothyroidism. To decide what’s right for you, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional regarding the consumption of alcohol and your overall health....
Diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not straightforward. There is no single test to confirm ALS. A healthcare provider, such as a neurologist, will take a full medical history, conduct a physical exam, and order more specific muscle and imaging tests. This article discusses the different tests and procedures used to diagnose ALS, as well as symptoms and other diseases that may be mistaken for ALS. ALS is a progressive disease that causes the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that send messages to the muscles of the body to deteriorate....
If you or someone you know has had Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), you may be wondering, is MRSA contagious? What Is MRSA? MRSA is a type of bacteria that can cause skin infections. Although once limited to people with weak immune systems in hospitals and nursing homes, they are increasingly being seen in healthy adults and children. MRSA infections are sometimes limited to simple pimple-like infections, but they can also become much larger abscesses and boils that need to be drained....
We tend to use the word “normalization” a lot when talking about HIV. It is meant to reflect the fact that people with HIV can now not only have a normal quality of life, but they can also plan for the future, have kids, and carry on healthy sexual relationships if provided with the proper treatment and a few preventive guidelines. But even with these facts in mind, many people with HIV still find dating enormously stressful....
Are you interested in making more social connections in the deaf community? You may be deaf and want to expand your social circle, perhaps after moving to a new city. You may be a hearing person who wants to make deaf friends. Here are some resources that may help. Making Deaf Friends These days, online is frequently the way deaf people and hearing people befriend each other. It is still important, however, to get out into the community and meet people in person....
