There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms. Both share many symptoms, but there are key differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to receiving effective treatment for your type of arthritis. According to the CDC, an estimated 78 million Americans…
One of the major symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD is heartburn. It has nothing to do with your heart, but it does feel like a burning sensation in your chest accompanied by a bitter taste in your mouth. The reason for GERD is a problem with the ring of muscle between your esophagus…
If you have difficulty falling and staying asleep, find yourself waking up gasping for air, or catch yourself struggling to stay away during the day, you may have a sleep disorder. Examples of conditions in this category include narcolepsy, insomnia, sleep apnea, and circadian rhythm disorders, all of which occur for different reasons. Sleep Apnea…
Cryotherapy or cryosurgery is a procedure that uses liquid nitrogen to treat a broad range of benign skin problems. A doctor may recommend cryotherapy if you have warts, acne, and precancerous or benign growths on your skin. What Happens During Cryotherapy? The physician applies the liquid nitrogen using either a spray can or a cotton-tipped…
If you’ve ever put off going to the doctor, you’re not alone. Many people tend to see a doctor for a checkup only when serious symptoms start showing. Taking the time to schedule an appointment and visit the doctor’s office when you’re feeling perfectly fine just seems counterintuitive when you can look up your symptoms…
A primary care physician is a family medicine or internal medicine doctor that serves as the first point of contact when a patient experiences symptoms of illness or disease. They play an important part in a patient’s overall care. Having a good primary care physician and patient relationship can help you attain and maintain good…
In the early 1960s, the number of obese Americans was less than 14 percent of the population. However, the percentage of obese Americans since then has tripled. The percentage of obese Americans in 2000 was 30.5 percent and 42.4 percent in 2018. Childhood obesity is also becoming more prevalent, with the latest figures from the…
Osteoporosis and congestive heart failure are two common and major public health problems. Heart failure is one of the leading causes of death and hospitalization of older adults. On the other hand, osteoporosis affects approximately 10 million Americans, which increases their risk of fractures. Recent studies show that heart failure patients have an increased risk…
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body’s way of regulating glucose or blood sugar. Glucose feeds the cells so they have the energy to function, and insulin is necessary for glucose to enter the cells. With diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or resists it. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes…
As temperatures rise, so do hospital visits for heat-related illnesses. Healthy adults and children need to take certain precautions in order to avoid suffering a heat stroke while having fun in the summer sun. Severe heat-related illnesses have the potential to actually cause damage to the brain. Moreover, for those with chronic health conditions, high…
