What should I know about myasthenia gravis?* *This myasthenia gravis section written by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD What is the medical definition of myasthenia gravis? Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body. The thymus may give incorrect instructions to developing immune cells, ultimately resulting...
Can You Lose Weight While on the Birth Control Pill?
It is possible to lose weight while on the birth control pill, but every woman's body is different and reacts differently to hormones. Eating a sensible diet and adopting a regular workout regimen will help you maintain a healthy weight. Yes, but it is important to understand that despite what the evidence suggests, everybody is different and may react differently...
Liver (Hepatocellular) Cancer Prevention and Risk Factors
Key points Share Your Story Avoiding risk factors and increasing protective factors may help prevent cancer. The following risk factors may increase the risk of liver cancer: Hepatitis B and C Cirrhosis Aflatoxin The following protective factor may decrease the risk of liver cancer: Hepatitis B vaccine Cancer prevention clinical trials are used to study ways to prevent cancer. New...
How to Identify Cold Symptoms in Children
Here’s what to look for to determine whether your child is sick with a cold Looking after a child is certainly not child’s play. Children have their own unique ways of expressing themselves, which may not always be easy to understand for adults. This is especially true when a child isn’t feeling well. Colds are one of the most common...
How Long Should a UTI Last After Antibiotics?
UTI can last even after symptoms are gone, so you need to finish your entire course of antibiotics For most cases of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), you will need to take a 3-day course of antibiotics and make sure to stay hydrated. Some infections, however, may require longer treatment for up to 7-10 days. For complicated UTIs, your course...
Misophonia Test, Treatment & Triggers
Facts you should know about misophonia Misophonia is defined as severely negative reactions to sounds that have a specific pattern, meaning, and context to the sufferer based on previous experiences. Other forms of sound sensitivity include hyperacusis (a negative reaction to sound due to particular physical characteristics, like volume, type, and intensity) and phonophobia (a fear of certain sounds). Some...
MERS Transmission, Diagnosis, Incubation Period & Symptoms
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) facts MERS-CoV is a type of coronavirus that spreads through respiratory secretions. MERS-CoV is a new novel coronavirus that caused severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) first identified in Saudi Arabia in September 2012. The infection appears to be the result of spread of the virus from camels to humans, resulting in limited person-to-person spread...
How Quickly Does Meningitis Progress?
What is meningitis? What causes meningitis? There are many potential causes of meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the meninges or coverings of the brain. This serious illness can progress very quickly and have lifelong consequences. So, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. The most frequent cause of meningitis is a viral or bacterial infection....
How Much Prune Juice Should I Drink to Poop?
Digestive problems are one of the common health complaints. The amount of prune juice needed to poop may vary depending on your age, general health, and the severity of constipation. Infants and children with constipation can be given 2-4 ounces of prune juice for relieving constipation. Having half a cup of prune juice (around 4 ounces) every day can help...
How Long Does It Take for a Stye to Go Away?
What is a stye? A stye usually resolves in about seven days. However, some cases of stye require medical help. A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is mainly caused due to a bacterial infection. It is a red, painful bump that forms either inside or outside the eyelid. There are two kinds of styes: External stye: A stye looks...