Learn about what causes acanthosis nigricans, how it’s treated, and how you can naturally lighten dark skin patches at home Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder characterized by dark patches of skin that have a thick, velvety texture. Patches are usually seen in the folds of the body, such as the armpits, groin, neck, elbows, knees, knuckles, lips, palms, and...
Getting Rid of a Sore Throat Quickly: Remedies & Causes
Sore throats typically last three to seven days; however, these remedies can soothe your pain and possibly help you get better faster. Sore throats are a common problem for many of us. While most instances of sore throats tend to get better on their own, lasting about three to seven days, there are remedies you can try to soothe your...
Patellar Tendon Tear Recovery: Rupture Symptoms & Treatment
Recovery from a patellar tendon rupture depends on the type of tear (partial or complete) and can last anywhere from 3 to 12 months long. Depending on the type of tear (partial or complete), the complete healing process for a torn patellar tendon may look like the following: Complete patellar tendon tear recovery: since the patellar tendon breaks into two...
How Do I Know If My Baby Has RSV? Signs & Symptoms
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) symptoms often resemble a cold. Learn how to recognize signs of RSV in your baby Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), also called human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human orthopneumovirus, causes infections of the respiratory tract. Almost all babies get RSV at some point before they reach 2 years old. For most healthy babies, symptoms are similar...
5 Signals of Asthma Attack Symptoms & How to Treat Them
Understand the five symptoms of an asthma attack to better get the treatment you need during an episode. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by episodic swelling and narrowing of the airways. While it often starts in childhood, adult-onset asthma is also possible. Asthma attack symptoms arise due to inflammation in the airways, stress or seasonal changes. These symptoms...
Psoriatic Arthritis Life Expectancy: How to Manage Psoriasis
Psoriatic arthritis is not life-threatening, but it can reduce a patient’s life expectancy by three years. Here is how to properly manage the disease. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic (long-standing), inflammatory disease, affecting up to one percent of the adult population. About 40 percent of patients with psoriasis are also affected by this type of arthritis. Though there is...
Getting Rid of a Stubborn Cough: Causes & When to Seek Help
A stubborn cough can be annoying, but it typically isn’t a sign of something more serious and can be treated in the following ways. Getting rid of a stubborn cough may require cough suppressants, steam inhalation, saline gargles and/or anti-inflammatory medications. Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant (antitussive), is usually considered the first-line cough treatment. It may be given in combination with...
Can a Person Recover From Kidney Failure? Treatment
Recovery from kidney failure varies, depending on whether the condition is chronic or acute. Learn about renal failure treatment options While there is no cure for kidney failure, with treatment it’s possible to live a long life. Recovery from kidney failure varies, depending on whether the condition is chronic or acute: Acute kidney failure (AKF) usually responds well to treatment,...
Quit Smoking without Gaining Weight: Diet & Causes
While some people do experience a slight weight gain when they quit smoking, it’s typically only a few extra pounds, and the benefits of smoking cessation far outweigh the gain in weight. Physical activity and a healthy diet plan may help you control your weight even after you quit smoking. Unfortunately, many people fear gaining weight is an inevitable side...
Is There a Screening Test for Lung Cancer?
A screening test is generally performed as a preventative measure to detect a potential health problem or disease in a person who is yet to have signs or symptoms. There is a screening test for lung cancer, however it is only deemed necessary for people at risk for lung cancer. A screening test is generally performed as a preventative measure...