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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Archive

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4 immune-boosting strategies that count right now

With colds, flu, and COVID variants circulating, keeping your immune system healthy is even more important. Advertising would have you believe that some supplement or other is the key to protecting yourself from getting sick, but the best strategies to protect yourself involve common sense and simple steps.

What is "walking pneumonia"?

Walking pneumonia means a person with pneumonia is highly likely to get well at home and not develop complications. Still, walking pneumonia is considered a significant infection and requires prompt and appropriate treatment. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics and rest.

Should we use rapid COVID tests before gatherings?

Rapid COVID tests aren't foolproof, but can provide an added layer of assurance if people take them before a planned gathering, in addition to following other preventive strategies.

Vaccination still recommended after a shingles infection

The CDC recommends people ages 50 and older get the Shingrix vaccine to protect against shingles. But those who haven’t been vaccinated and get shingles for the first time should still receive the shot to reduce their risk of future attacks.

Tough to swallow

Losing the ability to properly swallow should not be attributed to older age. If older adults have persistent trouble swallowing, like the sensation something is stuck in their throat, or if it’s painful to swallow, it could be a sign of an underlying problem and should be checked out. Treatment depends on the source of the swallowing problem, but might include medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery.

Constipation: A connection to cardiovascular disease?

People with chronic constipation may be more prone to heart disease, but the connection remains unclear. Straining and bearing down to have a bowel movement can temporarily boost blood pressure, putting the cardiovascular system at risk. And a possible link between constipation and blood clots may be worth further study. In rare cases, clots form in the veins that serve the gastrointestinal organs, including the large intestine (colon). Known as splanchnic venous thrombosis, the problem seems to be far more common in people with constipation than in those without.

Thinking about holiday gatherings? Harvard Health experts weigh in

If you are gathering with family or friends during this holiday season there is still a lot of uncertainty around how to help keep everyone as safe as possible from COVID-19 illnesses and hospitalizations, particularly when many people will be traveling. Harvard Health Publishing faculty contributors share their own holiday plans and offer advice for safely enjoying the holidays this year.

Navigating holiday pressures in the COVID-19 reality

The pandemic makes coping with holiday pressures a little tricky. If one is concerned about COVID-19 exposure at a holiday event, it may help to chat with loved ones to get support for a decision about whether to attend. If one must celebrate the holidays alone, it may help to grieve what is lost, savor past holiday gatherings, watch online religious services, and continue to practice special traditions—such as making holiday foods or putting up holiday decorations.

Less may be more when treating urinary tract infections

Researchers found that treating urinary tract infections with antibiotics for seven days was just as effective as treatment lasting 14 days. The shorter duration also can reduce the risk of medication side effects like diarrhea and nausea.

What are postbiotics?

Postbiotics are created by digestion. Like probiotics and prebiotics, they may contribute to gut health and overall health.

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