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Ovarian dermoid cysts (mature cystic teratomas) are usually asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur, they include pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis and a mass that you or your healthcare provider can feel upon examination. Severe symptoms such as intense pain and fever may be caused by growing cysts or by complications of this condition. This article will discuss the symptoms and potential complications of ovarian dermoid cysts. It will also provide guidance about when to seek medical help....

If you experience an itchy or swollen mouth or face after eating a pear, you might be experiencing allergy symptoms. Pear allergies are rare, but they do occur. Usually, they occur because the proteins in fruits like pears are very similar to the proteins in pollen, particularly birch pollen. If you have hay fever and are allergic to birch pollen, you also may experience pear allergy symptoms. This article discusses pear allergies, including symptoms, and treatments....

The treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in children often requires a multi-disciplinary approach, potentially including multiple medical and dental specialists. One of the key professionals who may be involved is a specially trained orthodontist who may perform rapid maxillary expansion. Overview Children who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea may be referred to an orthodontist for treatment with rapid maxillary expansion (RME). This treatment involves placing an expandable brace on the roof of the mouth that increases the width of the maxilla....

People with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia will often say they want to “go home.” Family members and caregiving staff in nursing homes and assisted living facilities hear this question often. It can be hard to know the best way to answer it. This article offers some suggestions for how to respond when a person with Alzheimer’s disease says they want to go home. What “Home” Means People with Alzheimer’s disease may say they want to go home even when they are already in their homes....

A study led by the NYU College of Dentistry found that bringing school-based cavity prevention programs directly to school settings reduced cavities in both baby and permanent teeth by 50% after six visits, signifying that dental care in schools can make a significant impact on children’s oral health. Key Takeaways A study links school-based cavity prevention programs to a 50% decrease in childhood cavities. Many logistical barriers keep children from visiting a dentist and receiving preventative oral care....

When you hear the word “deformity,” you may think of hidden-away characters in movies — certainly not something that could affect your healthy child. But any sideways curve in the spine - known as scoliosis - is considered a deformity. A spine with scoliosis takes on a curve that resembles the letters C or S; normally, the spine looks like the letter I. Catching and managing it early will usually prevent it from progressing to an extreme degree....

Narcolepsy is always characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, but there are other symptoms and test results that are used to differentiate the sub-types of the condition. There are two types of narcolepsy, but what is the difference between narcolepsy type 1 and type 2? Learn about these differences, including the role of cataplexy and testing for hypocretin levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Symptoms of Narcolepsy May Differentiate Sub-Types Both types of narcolepsy include an irrepressible need to sleep or daytime lapses into sleep....

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a potentially life-threatening skin disorder that causes tender bumps under the skin (erythema), skin cell death (necrosis), and blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. TEN is not linked to any specific ethnicity or gender. While the condition can be caused by infection or tumors, most cases are linked to drug reactions. Medications Known to Cause TEN Drugs known to cause TEN include: This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing....

Adults should start screening for colon cancer at age 45, a five-year difference from the originally recommended age of 50, according to a new proposal by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued on October 27. Key Takeaways A new proposal from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) suggests lowering the recommended age to begin colon cancer screening to age 45. The American Cancer Society already recommends adults begin colorectal screening at age 45....

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reversed its previous guidelines, now recommending that vaccinated people should get tested if they come into contact with someone who may have COVID-19, even if they show no symptoms. Key Takeaways The CDC is advising people who are fully vaccinated to get tested if they are exposed to someone who may have COVID-19, even if they display no symptoms.These people should resume mask-wearing in public indoor spaces, wait three to five days after exposure before getting tested, and quarantine for 10 days if testing positive....

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can occur anywhere on your skin. While HPV is most well-known as a sexually transmitted infection, there are 100 types of HPV, not all of which are transmitted sexually. HPV can be passed through any infected skin-to-skin contact or by touching a surface that carries the virus. Warts often appear on hands and feet because your hands and feet frequently contain minor skin irritations where the virus can penetrate....

An ocular migraine causes temporary changes in vision that may or may not be accompanied by a headache. Some experts use the term only for vision changes that are part of the “aura” that accompanies the onset of a migraine headache in some people. Other times it is used to refer to another type of vision disorder linked to migraines, called retinal migraines. This article will look at both types. Because the terminology can be confusing, talk to an eye doctor if you think you have ocular migraines, so that you understand your condition and any potential complications....

The digestive system is the group of organs that break down food in order to absorb its nutrients. The nutrients in food are used by the body as fuel to keep all the body systems working. The leftover parts of food that cannot be broken down, digested, or absorbed are excreted as bowel movements (stool). Organs of the Digestive System Several organs make up the digestive system. Every organ has a role in breaking down food and managing the waste material....

Recovering completely from a hysterectomy usually takes at least six to eight weeks. It is normal to expect some amount of bleeding during this time. However, if the bleeding doesn’t get lighter over time, that is not normal. This article will explain the difference between normal and abnormal bleeding and how to know when to call your healthcare provider. Normal vs. Abnormal Bleeding The key sign that you are healing normally from a hysterectomy is that the bleeding will begin to decrease in the days and weeks following the surgery....

Patient advocacy is a concept that most people think they understand, but they probably don’t comprehend its scope. In its simplest terms, patient advocacy regards any activity which ultimately benefits a patient. Using that definition, it can apply to caregiving for an individual patient, to groups that develop policies and advice that help patients, to government groups that develop legislation to improve systems or processes for patients. While any of these groups or individuals will be able to help you to some extent, a primary consideration in advocacy is the Allegiance Bias; that is, how they are compensated for the work they do, and therefore how trustworthy they are....

Genetics might affect your eating habits and your risks of certain diet-related diseases. Key Takeaways Taste-related genes may play a role in food choices and the risk of certain heart and metabolic diseases.Participants who have a stronger sense of bitter flavors consumed fewer bitter-tasting foods, such as cruciferous vegetables and alcohol.The preliminary findings add to a growing field of precision nutrition, which advocates for personalized dietary recommendations. Specifically, the genes that determine how strongly you can taste bitter and savory flavors may influence your overall diet quality, while the genes that are related to sweetness matter more for your heart and metabolic health....

Often dizziness can be associated with issues like migraine, low blood pressure, eating, ear problems, or it can be a medication side effect. There are many common causes for dizziness, and this symptom can also be associated with rare conditions. Mal de Debarquement Syndrome Mal de debarquement, which means “sickness of disembarkment” in French, was originally described by sailors who, after having come ashore, felt as if they were still aboard a rocking ship....

AAT deficiency, or Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, is a genetic condition caused by a lack of the protective protein, Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), normally produced by the liver. For the vast majority of us who have sufficient amounts of AAT, this little protein plays a vital role in maintaining normal lung function. But for those who have AAT deficiency, the story takes on a different scenario. In healthy individuals, the lungs contain neutrophil elastase, a natural enzyme that — under normal circumstances—helps the lungs digest damaged, aging cells and bacteria....

New research has found that estrogen-containing birth control may help lower infection rates and reduce the severity of symptoms in those infected with COVID-19. Specifically, researchers found people who take the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP)—which contains both estrogen and progesterone—had fewer positive cases and fewer hospitalizations. Key Takeaways Estrogen can enhance the effects of the immune system.Individuals who take the birth control pill may be less likely to develop severe COVID-19....

Many people know that metal is strong. So when orthopedic surgeons implant metal to fix broken bones, replace worn-out joints, or correct deformities in the skeletal system, it’s understandable why people feel confident about a problem-free prognosis. Despite metal’s resilience, the fact is that metal can break, and something may need to be done about it. This article explains why metal implants break and whether surgery is required to fix them....