Diseases & Conditions Archive

Everyone feels bloated at times after eating. Bloating is a feeling of tightness, fullness, or pressure in the belly that comes along with abdominal swelling and mild to intense pain. Excessive gas buildup from a sluggish digestive system and problems digesting certain foods are the leading causes. While most bloating goes away after a while, for regular occurrences, people should examine their diet for trigger foods and use over-the-counter anti-gas remedies as needed. In cases of frequent or extended bloating, a doctor should see if other problems are present.

The ability to function relies on maintaining a core body temperature. In a hot environment, body temperature starts to rise and the body releases heat by sweating or by carrying blood away from the body's core to the skin surface, where heat leaves the body. But those functions wane in older age. As a result, heat can build up, putting organs at risk for severe damage. To avoid such problems, it helps to stay hydrated; avoid going outside during the peak temperatures of the day; stay inside in an air-conditioned environment; and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing in warm weather.

In January 2022, the CDC published updated recommendations for vaccinating adults against pneumococcal disease and approved two new pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs).

People who have been taking antidepressants for some time may wish to stop taking them due to unpleasant side effects. This can be accomplished, but it is best to taper the dosage slowly and be aware of the potential for discontinuation symptoms.

There is a lot of anecdotal information about people using apple cider vinegar to treat heartburn, but no published research examining the validity of it.

No amount of alcohol, including red wine, is good for the heart, according to a policy brief from the World Heart Federation. Drinking, even in moderation, increases the risk for heart-related conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, stroke, cardiomyopathy (a disease of the heart muscle), aortic aneurysm (a dangerous bulge in the wall of the aorta), and atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm). People who drink regularly might benefit from reducing their intake.

Emotional stress can aggravate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which gastric acid washes backward into the esophagus from the stomach. Managing stress through meditation or exercise can help.

Psoriasis is among the most common skin diseases, and once it shows up, it never entirely goes away. While there is no cure for psoriasis, certain medications and other treatments can reduce flare-ups and help manage symptoms when they do occur. Treatments include topical medications, light therapy, oral and injected prescription  drugs, and lifestyle modifications like weight management, stress reduction, and following a healthier diet and regular exercise.

Someone who has a transient ischemic attack (TIA, or ministroke) needs prompt testing to look for the underlying cause. A 2022 study shows that people can safely get that evaluation at a specialized outpatient clinic rather than having to be admitted to the hospital. The testing usually includes a heart ultrasound (echocardiogram), cardiac monitoring, and imaging tests. The results guide targeted stroke-prevention treatments, which can reduce the risk of a future stroke by as much as 80%.

A 2022 Harvard study suggests that an Epstein-Barr virus infection, the most common cause of mononucleosis, may trigger multiple sclerosis (MS) in some people.