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Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, poisonous gas that forms when carbons from fuels burn incompletely. It is lighter than air and released both naturally, such as from forest fires and volcanic eruptions, and through man-made processes. Some common man-made releases of carbon monoxide are from fumes of vehicles, small engines (like those in lawnmowers and generators), stoves, fireplaces and furnaces. How It Works Carbon monoxide has a powerful ability to affect cell metabolism, as it can cause reactions that deprive cells of oxygen....

Some toddlers seem to gag on anything that isn’t baby food. Even older preschoolers can sometimes prefer liquid over solid food and may gag on anything with chunks. These kids may even throw up after eating solid foods. As a parent, it can be hard to know if a child with these problems is simply a picky eater or has a hidden medical problem. This article looks at some of the reasons why a child might gag when eating, and what can be done to treat this problem....

U.S. health officials expect people who are older or immunocompromised will need a booster COVID-19 vaccine soon. Key Takeaways U.S. health officials are considering making COVID-19 booster shots available for immunocompromised individuals and people aged 65 and above.Studies show that people who are immunocompromised are less likely to create an antibody response after an initial vaccine series, and they could benefit from a third dose.Experts continue to debate whether a booster shot, or a new variant-specific vaccine will be most beneficial to ending the pandemic A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory board discussed emerging clinical data on how an additional vaccine dose could enhance antibody response in immunocompromised individuals....

The esophagus is the part of the digestive tract that goes between the throat and the stomach. The esophagus is a tube, and its primary function is to carry food and liquid, after it has been swallowed, from the mouth and the airways. The openings at the top of the esophagus at the back of the throat and at the bottom of the esophagus at the entrance to the stomach are closed off by muscles called sphincters (called the upper esophageal sphincter and the lower esophageal sphincter)....

Though there is some evidence that mouthwash like Listerine may reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) following oral sex, the reduction in risk is relatively small and cannot be considered a viable means of STI prevention. The best way to prevent STIs is through sexual abstinence or safer sex practices. This article takes an unbiased look at the effectiveness of antiseptic mouthwashes in reducing the risk of STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), and syphilis following oral sex....

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause sores in various places on the body. Blister-like lesions may appear in the genital area, anus, thighs, and buttocks. The virus enters the body through either a mucous membrane (like in the genitals) or an injury in the skin. When active, the virus uses nerve pathways to travel to the skin’s surface, where it multiplies. This can result in sores and rashes in some people, but not everyone with genital herpes will experience symptoms....

Both your brain and heart health benefit from similar lifestyles: exercising, eating right, and no smoking. But new research links the two, finding that a healthier heart may lead to better brain function. Key Takeaways A new study found that markers of a healthy heart were associated with better brain function.More research is needed, but this study highlights the need for understanding underlying mechanisms driving heart and brain health.While you cannot change the structure of your heart directly, there are steps you can take to support your heart and brain....

Pulmonary hemosiderosis is a lung disorder which causes extensive bleeding, or hemorrhage, inside of the lungs, leading to an abnormal buildup of iron. This buildup can cause anemia and lung scarring known as pulmonary fibrosis. Hemosiderosis can either be a primary disease of the lungs, or secondary to cardiovascular or systemic disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Primary disease is usually diagnosed during childhood. Causes Primary hemosiderosis may be caused by:...

Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder caused by an inherited genetic mutation. People with sickle cell develop crescent-shaped red blood cells when there is reduced oxygen levels. These sickled red blood cells become stiff and do not flow easily through small blood vessels. When the sickle cells block the flow of blood through the body, extreme pain occurs, due to blood-starved tissues. People with sickle cell have extreme anemia because of the abnormal hemoglobin in their blood cells....

Strokes are generally caused by ongoing health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and others. It is very rare for a specific activity, like sexual activity, to trigger a stroke. However, it is possible for a stroke to occur as a result of sex. This article discusses the research and prevalence of strokes during and after sex, as well as other risk factors for stroke. Sex as a Stroke Trigger Overall, it is quite unusual for someone to experience a stroke during sexual activity....

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is usually thought of as an adult disorder, so it is likely that many pediatricians are not familiar with it. However, according to the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, ‘an estimated 1.5 million children and adolescents’ are thought to have RLS and it is thought that ‘RLS symptoms often begin during childhood or adolescence.‘ What Is Restless Legs Syndrome? The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory disorder causing an almost irresistible urge to move the legs....

Community Health Centers in areas of the country that have medically underserved or vulnerable populations are set to receive more vaccines against COVID-19. These doses will be in addition to supplies of vaccine that centers may already be receiving from states, tribes, or territories. Key Takeaways A number of federally-funded Community Health Centers will start receiving direct supplies of COVID-19 vaccines the week of Feb. 15.The program is part of the Biden Administration’s plan to increase the amount of vaccine to areas that are underserved by health care and to populations that are more vulnerable to the pandemic....

The musculocutaneous nerve is a peripheral nerve in your outer arm. It’s the terminal branch of the lateral cord, which is part of the brachial plexus that extends from your neck to your armpit. The musculocutaneous nerve carries fibers for both motor function (movement) and sensory function (feeling). Anatomy With the exception of cranial nerves (in the head), all of the nerves in your body emerge from the spinal cord through the spaces between vertebrae....

Since magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was first invented in the late 1970s, the technology has undergone various updates, further allowing doctors and researchers to better understand what’s going on inside our bodies. Key Takeaways Amplified magnetic resonance imaging amplifies tiny movements in the brain caused by the circulation of blood and cerebrospinal fluid.The technology allows for vivid, anatomically correct images of the brain.It could potentially be used to detect brain conditions ranging from aneurysms to hydrocephalus....

When it comes to treating migraines, major advancements have been made in recent years. Traditionally, migraine treatments consisted of medications approved for other conditions, but now there are drugs specifically indicated to treat and prevent multiple forms of migraine. If you experience recurrent migraines, you can rest easy knowing there are several newer options to choose from and that scientific evidence about treating this condition continues to evolve. Novel Anti-Migraine Medications A number of migraine medications that work in novel ways are being developed, and some have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)....

Nodulocystic acne is a severe form of inflammatory acne characterized by the presence of nodular breakouts and cysts. These aren’t your typical blackheads and pustules (although you may have those, too). Nodulocystic breakouts are larger and deeper than average pimples. Nodulocystic acne breakouts are painful, and they often leave scarring. You can get nodulocystic acne on the face and neck, back, chest, and shoulders. You may have just a few nodulocystic breakouts or many....

Scalp cooling (also referred to as scalp hypothermia) involves using ice packs or a cooling cap before, during, and after a chemotherapy to prevent or drastically reduce hair loss. Certain chemotherapy drugs are known for inducing hair loss, and this treatment may be a solution for some patients. Why Chemo Causes Hair Loss Chemotherapy drugs target cells that multiply and divide very quickly, as these are the traits of cancer cells....

Low-intensity shock wave therapy, also known as shock wave therapy, uses sound waves to stimulate tissues inside the body. Originally developed as a treatment for wounds and injuries, shock wave therapy is thought to stimulate increased blood flow in order to promote healing. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is sometimes associated with blood flow problems, and shock wave therapy has been proposed as a possible treatment for ED. It has also been proposed as a potential therapy for Peyronie’s disease and other sexual health problems....

Early symptoms of smallpox are similar to the flu, progressing to a rash a few days later that then turns into deep sores that fill with fluid. These blisters ooze, crust, and scab over, eventually falling off and leaving scars. There is no cure or treatment for smallpox, but thankfully it was eradicated in 1980, meaning that it no longer naturally occurs anywhere in the world. Frequent Symptoms Because it’s contagious, smallpox is generally transmitted by face-to-face contact with infected people....

A stye (hordeolum) is a small, pimple-like bump that can form at the base of your eyelash or under the eyelid. Styes occur when an oil gland gets infected or as a complication of eyelid skin problems. While painful, styes are usually harmless. This article looks at the types, symptoms, and causes of styes, how they’re diagnosed and treated, and what complications you may face from a stye in the eye....