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“Silent” COVID-19 infections—when a person tests positive for the virus but does not have any symptoms—have been a major concern for public health experts during the pandemic. A new study suggests that identifying even a small percentage of “silent” COVID-19 infections in children could dramatically lower case rates in the general public if adults are vaccinated. Key Takeaways “Silent” COVID-19 infections—when a person is positive for the virus but does not have symptoms—have been a driving force in the pandemic that has been hard to curb....

Manufactured by ResMed, the AirSense 10 device is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine used to treat sleep apnea. Learn about some of the pros and cons of this treatment option, the auto settings, wireless connection, and whether it is the right model for you. New Design and Features of ResMed’s AirSense 10 CPAP The AirSense 10 has a sleek new design, appearing much like a modern alarm clock with its bright and easily readable display....

Sinus nodal reentrant tachycardia (also called SNRT or SANRT) is one of the arrhythmias categorized as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), which are rapid heart arrhythmias originating in the atria of the heart. Sinus nodal reentrant tachycardia is an uncommon form of SVT. Overview Sinus nodal reentrant tachycardia is a reentrant tachycardia. It occurs because there is an extra electrical connection within the heart, which may be present from birth. In sinus nodal reentrant tachycardia, the extra connection—and indeed the entire reentrant circuit that produces the arrhythmia—is located within the tiny sinus node....

Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder in which one repeatedly stops breathing during the night. It has many potential causes, all of which lead the upper airway to collapse while someone is asleep. Treatment of sleep apnea is necessary to prevent major health problems. What sleep apnea treatment is best for you? Consider ways to address the cause as well as additional options, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances from a dentist, surgery, weight loss, and more....

New research is reiterating oral contraception is more than just a helpful family planning tool. Scientists are studying the pill’s preventative effects against some types of cancer—and on the flip side, the link between hormonal contraceptives and risk of breast cancer. Key Takeaways Researchers found that oral contraceptive pills may protect against ovarian and endometrial cancer.Although previous studies have supported similar findings, this new study shows the protective effect remains for up to 35 years after stopping use of the birth control pill....

A synapse is a small gap at the end of a neuron that allows a signal to pass from one neuron to the next. Neurons are cells that transmit information between your brain and other parts of the central nervous system. Synapses are found where neurons connect with other neurons. Synapses are key to the brain’s function, especially when it comes to memory. What Synapses Do Synapses connect neurons and help transmit information from one neuron to the next....

You may have noticed that people who are deaf sound a little different than people who aren’t deaf. It’s not easy to explain the difference, as it depends on the individual person. Deaf children growing up with cochlear implants or hearing aids—with the help of speech training—often develop voices that sound the same as a hearing person. In other words, their voices cannot be identified as coming from a deaf person....

If you’ve noticed a discoloration of your toenails—particularly a yellowish hue—you might be experiencing the signs and symptoms of a toenail fungus infection (onychomycosis). Nail discoloration is one of the first indications you’ve acquired this infection. Although it isn’t life-threatening, it can certainly take its toll on your personal or social life. Onychomycosis can also be difficult to treat, and clearing it can take time. Toenail Fungus Symptoms Toenail discoloration stemming from a fungal infection may present in a variety of ways, such as:...

Starting on November 8, the U.S. government will lift the travel ban for some travelers, ending a 21-month long restriction that prevented international travelers from entering the counter. Key Takeaways The U.S. government has announced that it will lift a nearly two-year travel ban for vaccinated travelers from 33 countries, including China, Brazil, South Africa, and more.Travelers must test negative for COVID within three days of departure. Americans returning to the country must test negative within one day of arriving....

UPPP is a medical abbreviation for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, a surgery that involves removing the soft tissue at the back of the throat, including the uvula, soft palate, and sometimes additional soft tissue at the back of the throat. A tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are sometimes performed at the same time. This surgery is aimed at treating obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where these structures can block the airway and cause cessation of breathing while you are asleep....

It’s no surprise that vision insurance is confusing to most people. Because vision insurance is supplemental to regular health insurance, it’s difficult to understand which benefits are included and which ones must be purchased. Is there a difference between medical and vision insurance? Routine vs. Medical Eye Exams To understand the difference, one must analyze the different types of eye exams. Even though office visits to an eye care professional are usually categorized as either “routine” or “medical,” this terminology has nothing to do with the steps it takes to perform a comprehensive eye exam nor the type of healthcare provider who performs the exam....

Visually evoked potentials (VEP) are electrical signals that occur in the brain when visual stimuli, such as a pattern on a screen or flashing lights, are seen. Testing for this response can be used to pinpoint issues with the nerves of the eye. With a visually evoked potential test, the idea is to determine just how the visual system is functioning and if there are any optic nerve problems. This commonly used test evaluates the time it takes for your nervous system to respond to things in your line of sight....

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to become any human cell in the body. To be considered a stem cell, cells must have two characteristics. The first is the ability to replicate itself in an unlimited fashion to produce progeny exactly the same as the originating cell. The second, which differentiates it from cancer cells, is the ability to give rise to a specialized cell type. In adults, stem cells originate in the bone marrow....

Hardening of the arteries is another name for the medical condition, atherosclerosis, which occurs when cholesterol and other substances build up in the walls of arteries and form hard structures called plaques. Some level of hardening of the arteries is natural as we age, but unhealthy lifestyle habits can speed up the rate at which and the amount of hardening that occurs. This can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke....

Heparin is an anticoagulant commonly used after surgery. It is used to prevent the blood from clotting too easily while the patient is spending more time resting and off of their feet than usual—which is when blood clots are more likely to form. Heparin is also used to treat blood clots when they do form, helping prevent the clot from increasing in size and preventing additional clots from occurring. Surgery is a known risk factor for the formation of clots....

My favorite wig was named Samantha and she was beautiful. Samantha was always ready to go and always looked good. She never blew away in a breeze, and she didn’t shift around or sit askew on my head. Samantha got more compliments and admiring looks than my pre-chemo natural blonde hair, which was three feet long. But Samantha, a mono-top, had one major problem in the summer—she was hot! Here are some things to consider, when you’re in chemo for breast cancer and need a wig during the summer heat....

Chronic pain is commonly defined as any pain that lasts more than 12 weeks. Whereas acute pain is the normal sensation which alerts us to an injury or illness, chronic pain is one that persists, often for months or even longer. Chronic pain is estimated to affect 20% of U.S. adults. It can be caused by a musculoskeletal injury (involving the bones, muscles, or joints), nervous system dysfunction, chronic diseases, and autoimmune disorders....

Andrew Wakefield is among the most controversial figures in the autism world. His research on the question of whether the Mumps-Measles-Rubella (MMR) vaccine could be the cause of an autism epidemic has created a huge rift in the autism community. Despite the fact that his influential research paper on the subject has been revoked by the British medical journal The Lancet, Wakefield and his theories remain a potent force in the autism world....

Allergy shots are a form of immunotherapy that can be used to treat underlying allergies that trigger asthma attacks. They work by helping the immune system build up a tolerance to substances that trigger symptoms (called allergens). They can be as effective as corticosteroids and are very beneficial to people with allergic asthma. This article discusses how allergy shots can benefit people with asthma. What to Expect From Allergy Shots Allergy shots are typically given in a healthcare provider’s office or clinic that specializes in allergic diseases....

Orthopedic supply companies have begun to market directly to consumers. Their advertisements might make you believe their knee replacement implant is “the best” and worthy of considering above all others. The truth is, the best knee replacement device is generally the one that is most appropriate for your condition. How long the device has been on the market and whether your surgeon has experience using it should factor into ranking your options, as well....