Is nausea a symptom or a sign? Nausea is a symptom you can have. It is a painless uneasiness feeling of the stomach, like a sensation of an urge to vomit. It can come on all of a sudden, or can be gradual. What causes nausea for no reason? Food poisoning or stomach flu Pregnancy,…
Chest congestion is an umbrella term for excessive mucus buildup in your lungs. If you have suffered from bronchitis or the common cold, you most likely know what chest congestion is. It results from the inflammation of air passageways or the bronchi. No matter the cause of chest congestion, it is quite discomforting and unbearable…
Skin rashes are a common chief complaint in many ERs, urgent cares, and primary care clinics. Luckily, due to the advent of vaccines, many diseases that cause rashes, such as measles and rubeola, are almost never seen anymore. In the elderly population, it is also less likely to see the “sandpaper” pink rash that can…
What is Poison Ivy? Poison ivy causes a rash that is itchy and red. The rash can persist for around 2 weeks. It develops after physical contact with a poison ivy vine. What causes poison ivy? Poison ivy is a plant that contains an oil called urushiol which many people are allergic to. Poison oak…
What’s the Scoop on Cor Pulmonale? You know that feeling when you’re stuck in traffic, and your GPS reroutes you through a maze of side streets? Well, that’s kinda what cor pulmonale feels like—but in your chest. The Basics Imagine a cozy little neighborhood called “Heartsville.” It’s got narrow alleys, bustling intersections, and a quirky heart-shaped fountain…
What’s the Buzz About Fevers? Okay, picture this: You’re snuggled up in your blanket fort, reading a comic book, when suddenly—bam! Your forehead feels like it’s sunbathing on a tropical island. That’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s up!” It’s like your immune system putting on its superhero cape and shouting, “Avengers, assemble!” Now,…
Occasional headaches are extremely common and typically benign. Chronic headaches are less common and sometimes hard to diagnose. Finding patterns in chronic headaches can provide clues to the cause of the pain. Keeping a headache diary might help determine your headache type. Note when they occur, your symptoms, and potential triggers, such as food, stress…
What is Shingles? Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is also the virus that causes chickenpox. If you have had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus is in your body and never completely, of fully, goes away. Once you have chickenpox, the virus is ‘inactive’ in the body, but can become ‘reactivated’ later in life,…
Women naturally have some yeast cells that live on their skin, in their gut, and in their vagina. When there is a build-up of yeast in the vagina, a thick, white discharge may appear along with symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning, or redness. This is called a yeast infection, or vaginal candidiasis. Yeast may…
What is Headaches? Headaches are a common condition where you experience pain in your head or face. The pain can be throbbing, constant, dull or sharp. There are many different types of headaches. Most of them are not dangerous, while some are. Types of headaches Primary headaches are not caused by an underlying medical condition….
Antibiotics? Antibiotics are powerful medications that work against bacterial infections. It is important for the public to understand their significance, proper usage, and risks/side effects associated with them. Significance Firstly, antibiotics work against bacterial infections only. This means they are not effective against viral infections such as the cold or flu. Using them for viruses…
Wegovy and Diet: Introduction Are you considering Wegovy for weight loss? This prescription medication mimics a hormone called GLP-1, which regulates appetite and glucose levels in the body. WeGovy along with other GLP-1 agonists have created much excitement with how much weight people are losing, and we are just beginning to realize how to use…
What is C. Diff? Clostridioides difficile, formerly known as Clostridium difficile and commonly known as C. diff, is a bacterium which causes serious gastrointestinal (GI) infections and watery diarrhea. C. diff infections are contagious. C. diff is in the poop of people who are infected or colonized with C. diff. and can survive for a…
🎶 To the tune of life’s unpredictable symphony, sometimes our bladders hit a note too early! 🎶 What’s the Deal with Leaky Plumbing? Urinary incontinence is like that friend who can’t keep a secret; sometimes it spills the beans when you least expect it. It’s a common hiccup in our body’s usual tight-lipped routine, ranging from a…
