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Articles by Annie Stuart
Cauda Equina Syndrome: An Overview
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but serious disorder. It affects about 1 in every 65,000 people, with equal frequency across all genders. This condition occurs when something compresses your spinal nerve roots, called the cauda equina. Cauda equina syndrome (CES) happens when spinal nerve roots called the cauda equina become compressed. Surgery is usually needed to prevent serious damage.
Benign Lung Tumors and Nodules
If you've received the news that your lung contains something "suspicious," this may be a source of great distress. The first thing that may come to mind is a dreaded word: cancer. In many cases, though, a lung nodule turns out to be benign. This means that it isn't cancer. The hard part is waiting and not knowing. Here's information that may make your wait just a little bit easier. A nodule is a "spot on the lung," seen on an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan.
Tips for Improving Your Quality of Life With COPD
COPD is a chronic lung disease with no cure. But you can take many steps to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life using a variety of COPD treatments. Learn what you can do to feel better and improve your health.
Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs): How to Use One When You Have COPD
People who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other lung conditions often take their medications using devices called a metered dose inhaler or MDI or a dry powder inhaler (DPI). A hydrofluoroalkane inhaler is a handheld device that delivers a specific amount of medication in aerosol form, rather than as a pill or capsule. The HFA consists of a pressurized canister inside a plastic case, with a mouthpiece attached.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Symptoms
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, can cause pain, warmth, swelling, or redness (often in your calf muscle) that doesn’t go away. A DVT can be hard to recognize because oftentimes it comes without symptoms. About 50% of people with DVT have no symptoms. The absence of symptoms does not mean there’s no cause for concern.
Schizophrenia Meds: What to Expect
It can be hard to stay on top of treatment with this mental illness, so here are some tips to make taking your meds a habit.78 SPEAKER: Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that requires treatment with medication to lessen symptoms. But even if your symptoms go away, you'll need to stay on treatment to avoid a relapse. So it's very important to keep taking any medication your doctor prescribes. You may need to take more than one medication at different times of the day. This can be tricky.
What Is Intertrigo? Skin Fold Rash Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
You may get intertrigo or a rash in the folds of your skin, anywhere from underneath your breasts, to your armpits, or your genital area. Your dermatologist may have you use a steroid cream or antifungal creams. Photo Credit: DR P. MARAZZI/Science Source Intertrigo is a fancy name for a rash that shows up between the folds of skin. It is a very common skin rash that can happen throughout life.
Pregnancy Tests
A pregnancy test checks your pee or blood to see if you're pregnant. You might take one because you're trying to get pregnant and you want a positive result. Or maybe something interrupted your birth control. You also might take a pregnancy test before having a medical procedure or starting a new medication, to avoid complications. This is true whether you're biologically female, nonbinary, or transgender male.
Managing Bipolar Disorder at Work
If you have bipolar disorder, you don’t need anyone to tell you how challenging it can be. You are among millions of American adults who may also find that the mood episodes of bipolar disorder can be disruptive at work. Take heart. There are many steps you can take to find meaningful work and develop successful relationships on -- and off -- the job. Work can bring special challenges for those with bipolar disorder. Stress and unpredictable challenges in the workplace can take a big toll.
Tips for a Quiet Tummy, Restful Sleep
Ever settle into bed expecting a good night’s sleep and then find that your stomach has turned against you? Indigestion. Yes, it can stand guard between you and the slumber you crave. There are some simple steps you can take to help ease the symptoms, though. Naturally, it’s hard to drift off when you have symptoms such as bloating and a growling stomach.
Understanding Spinal Disk Problems -- the Basics
Anybody who has experienced a damaged spinal disk understands how painful it is. Every movement seems to make it worse. This pain is a warning signal that you should heed. If you take appropriate action, the discomfort usually stops, and the problem can be corrected. Spinal disks are rubbery pads between the vertebrae, the specialized bones that make up the spinal column. Doctors call them intervertebral disks. Each disk is a flat, circular capsule about an inch in diameter and one-quarter inch thick.
Enlarged Pancreas: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
An enlarged pancreas can occur for many reasons. The pancreas is a gland that sits behind your stomach in the upper abdomen and helps with digestion. It produces enzymes that are secreted into the small intestine, digesting protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The pancreas also produces insulin to help regulate blood sugar (glucose), the body's main source of energy. An enlarged pancreas may mean nothing. You may simply have a pancreas that is larger than normal.
Diabetes Link, Treatment, Symptoms, and Causes
When you have diabetes, you have a lot to manage. High blood sugar can lead to other conditions, like eye problems. One of the most common ones is diabetic macular edema (DME). It's serious and can rob you of your vision. That's a scary possibility, but knowing what to look out for and getting the right treatment can help protect your sight. Even if you don't notice problems, when you have diabetes, it's important you get your eyes checked every year.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Treatment: What You Need to Know
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) happens when a blood clot (thrombus) forms deep inside your vein. It usually forms in your legs. But it can happen anywhere. If DVT goes untreated, it can become life-threatening — a condition called venous thromboembolism (VTE). Your blood clots can break up inside your vein. The smaller clots can travel and block blood flow to other organs. If you have VTE, you may get lung or heart problems. But treating your DVT can prevent medical problems.
Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraception: Plan B
Plan B, also called the morning-after pill, is an emergency contraceptive pill taken after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. You don't, however, have to wait until the morning after sex to take it. It has the hormone levonorgestrel, which is more effective the sooner you take it. Plan B is a one-dose regimen: You take one pill. The pill contains 1.5 milligrams of levonorgestrel, which is used in lower doses in many birth control pills.
Fissured Tongue
If you have fissures in your tongue, it's likely no cause for concern. In fact, certain types of grooves or cracks are considered simply a variation of a normal tongue. Sometimes called a plicated or scrotal tongue, this condition is often harmless. However, it's rarely a good idea to diagnose yourself. So, if you have any concerns, set your mind at ease by discussing this with your doctor or oral specialist.
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
An oral mucous cyst, also called a mucocele, is a harmless swollen spot. It's a good idea to get it checked out, though, especially if it's bothersome. There are two types. Mucoceles show up on the inside of your lower lips, your gums, the roof of your mouth, or under your tongue. Those on the floor of the mouth are called ranulas. These are rare, but because they’re larger, they can cause more problems with speech, chewing, and swallowing.
Understanding Bone Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Types, and Outlook
Bone cancer is when cells in your bones grow out of control. Usually, when you have bone cancer, it comes from another cancer that has spread to your bones or metastatic bone cancer. But sometimes, the cancer cells start in your bones. In that case, it's called primary bone cancer. Primary bone cancer is very rare; only about 1% of all cancers are primary bone cancers. There are four types of primary bone cancer which vary in the people they tend to affect and treatments.
Could I Get Deep Vein Thrombosis?
When a blood clot forms in one of your deep veins, it’s called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This can cause pain and swelling. If the clot breaks free, it can move through your bloodstream to other parts of your body. In rare cases, it can even cut off blood flow to your lungs. DVT is tough to spot. That’s why it’s a good idea to know what puts you at risk so you can avoid getting it. Here are some things that raise your chances of DVT: You’ve had a blood clot.
Complications of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
If you have a clot in a deep vein, you're at risk for damage to your veins and organs as well as other life-threatening problems. Not everyone who gets DVT will have trouble, but there's a good chance you could be affected. Stick to your DVT treatment plan to help your body break down your clot and keep your blood moving. Ask your doctor what else you can do to help avoid these complications. DVT in the leg is the most common cause.
9 Tips for Smooth Digestion
Want a "recipe" for smoother digestion? Start with these nine tips. They'll help you prevent symptoms such as bloating, belches, or heartburn. Of course, if you have any digestive symptoms that are severe or won’t go away, see your doctor. 1. Tap Into Plant Power Plant foods have fiber. This helps you stay regular. Bonus: It fills you up, which is a plus if you want to lose weight. Go for high-fiber foods, such as: Vegetables Fruits Nuts and seeds Whole grains Beans and lentils Start slowly.
The Meningitis Vaccines: What Parents Should Know
The meningococcal vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. This infection can lead to meningitis, an inflammation of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord. It can also cause bloodstream infections. Teens are at a higher risk of getting meningococcal disease, which is easily spread through close contact and can become life-threatening quickly.
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (Silent Reflux)
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is similar to another condition -- GERD -- that results from the contents of the stomach backing up (reflux). But the symptoms of LPR are often different than those that are typical of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). With LPR, you may not have the classic symptoms of GERD, such as a burning sensation in your lower chest (heartburn). That's why it can be difficult to diagnose and why it is sometimes called silent reflux.
Understanding Stage 3 Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Substages, and Care
Doctors use stages to describe how much cancer you have and where it is in your body. People with stage III lung cancer can be a very mixed group. Their tumors can differ in size, location, and how distant they are from where the cancer started. But almost always, stage III cancer is in just one lung. It’s also limited to the lymph nodes, organs, and other tissue near that organ. The cancer has not spread, or metastasized, beyond that.
Psoriasis on the Face (Facial Psoriasis)
Facial psoriasis causes plaques – thick patches of scaly skin – to form on certain parts of your face. It’s different from psoriasis on other parts of the body. Your facial skin is thinner and may be more sensitive to treatments. In this area, the condition usually affects your: Eyebrows Skin between your nose and upper lip Upper forehead Hairline You have a lot of options for treating psoriasis in these areas. Work closely with your doctor to find what works best for you.
How to Recognize Schizophrenia in Teens
Schizophrenia can be hard to spot in teens. Sometimes it can be tough to see the difference between ordinary teenage moodiness and signs of more serious illness, although this disease usually begins in late adolescence or young adulthood. It helps to know what symptoms to watch for and when you should check with your doctor. Symptoms in teens can come on gradually over days, weeks, several months or more. This is called the prodromal period.
Bipolar Disorder and Sleep Problems
Changes in sleep that last for more than two weeks or interfere with your life can point to an underlying condition. Of course, many things may contribute to sleep problems. Here's what you need to know about the many connections between bipolar disorder and sleep and what you can do to improve your sleep. Bipolar disorder may affect sleep in many ways.
Guide to Vaccines for Your Family
Vaccines protect your family from diseases that can be very serious. Here is a schedule of recommended vaccines for children from birth to age 18.
Pinched Nerve (Compressed Nerve): Symptoms and Treatment
Nerves extend from your brain and spinal cord, sending important messages throughout your body. If you have a pinched nerve (nerve compression), your body may send you warning signals, such as pain. Don't ignore these warning signals. Damage from a pinched nerve may be minor or severe. It may cause temporary or long-lasting problems. The earlier you get a diagnosis and treatment for nerve compression, the quicker you'll find relief. In some cases, you can't reverse the damage from a pinched nerve.
What's Causing My Chest Pain?
Chest pain is not something to ignore. But you should know that it has many possible causes. In many cases, it's related to the heart. But problems in your lungs, esophagus, muscles, ribs, or nerves may also cause chest pain. Some of these conditions are serious and life-threatening; others are not. If you have unexplained chest pain, the only way to confirm its cause is to have a doctor check you. Problems with your heart aren't the only possible cause of chest pain.
What Is Acid Reflux Disease?
Acid reflux is when acid from inside your stomach flows up into your esophagus and throat. At the entrance to your stomach is a valve, a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, the LES closes as soon as food passes through it. But if it doesn't close all the way or it opens too often, acid from your stomach can move up into your esophagus. This can cause symptoms such as a burning chest discomfort called heartburn.
Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements Used to Enhance Mood
Mood problems, including depression and bipolar disorder, are no laughing matter. More than 20 million American adults have a mood disorder and 40 million an anxiety disorder. And these numbers don’t include the average worrywart or person who suffers an occasional bout of the blues. For depression alone, the annual cost for treatment and lost wages may be as high as $52 billion.
Common Causes of Acid Reflux Disease
What are the common causes of acid reflux disease? Doctors aren't always sure. Triggered by an increase of acid in your esophagus, acid reflux disease may develop for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the common causes of acid reflux disease. Several factors may increase your risk for acid reflux disease. Stomach abnormalities. One common cause of acid reflux disease is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia, which can occur in people of any age.
Age-Appropriate Chores for Children Original
Doing chores is a tradition in many families. Chores help kids learn responsibility, and sharing chores gives you help around the house. Not sure your kids will go for it? Take heart! There are ways to make chores a little bit, well, less of a chore for everyone. Parenting expert Jim Fay, co-founder of the Love and Logic website, says we all need to feel needed and to know that we're making a contribution -- even kids.
Keeping an Eye on Low Vision Patients
Clinical Update Keeping an Eye on Low Vision Patients By Annie Stuart, Contributing Writer, interviewing Mona Kaleem, MD, Lylas G. Mogk, MD, and John D. Shepherd, MD How to help patients with low vision. It’s not difficult, and it makes a world of difference.
Styles of Massage and Their Health Benefits
Massage therapy is a form of manual therapy that involves moving soft tissues in the body to reduce stress, ease muscle tension, and promote relaxation and overall well-being. It is a hands-on technique performed by trained massage therapists. Massage has been practiced for thousands of years. Today, if you need a massage, you can choose from about 80 massage therapy styles with a wide variety of pressures, movements, and techniques.
Augmented Intelligence: Harnessing AI for Glaucoma
Augmented Intelligence: Harnessing AI for Glaucoma By Annie Stuart, Contributing Writer A look at AI’s potential benefits for glaucoma—as well as what is needed to move the field forward. Web Extra: A list of AI terminology and suggested further reading.
How Do I Know if It's Acid Reflux?
Lots of people are familiar with acid reflux symptoms, as more than 60 million Americans have them at least once a month. They include stomach discomfort after you eat and the burning feeling in your throat or chest, known as heartburn. The problem starts at the place where your esophagus (the tube between your stomach and throat) connects to your stomach. You have a muscular valve there called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Its job is to keep stomach acid in your stomach.
Monitoring AMD With Home-Based OCT
Once home-based OCT systems are approved, what will speed their adoption? Ability to overcome inertia.
Rethinking Treatment for Advanced Glaucoma Patients
Clinical Update Download PDF Overtreatment of early glaucoma and undertreatment of advanced glaucoma is a fundamental problem—at least in the United States,” said Joseph F. Panarelli, MD, at NYU Langone Health. Anthony J. King, MD, FRCOphth agreed. “Many resources have been diverted into screening, detection, and treatment of mild disease, affecting our resources to manage the more complex cases, those most at risk of blindness,” said Prof.
Brain Exercises and Dementia
Can brain exercises help delay memory loss or dementia? What kinds of brain exercises should I do? How does brain activity help? Can you help your brain stay healthy as you age by doing things that challenge your mind? Could that also help you avoid memory loss, or even prevent or delay dementia such as Alzheimer's? Scientists need to do more research to find out for sure. But a number of studies show there are benefits to staying mentally active.
Retinitis
Retinitis is a disease that threatens vision by damaging the retina -- the light-sensing tissue at the back of your eye. Although there's no cure, there are steps you can take to protect your sight and make the most of the vision you have. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP). This is a group of genetic eye diseases you inherit from one or both parents. Some examples of RP and related diseases: Usher syndrome Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA) Rod-cone disease Bardet-Biedl syndrome CMV retinitis.
Adenosine Deaminase Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID)
What Is Adenosine Deaminase Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID)? Causes Symptoms Getting a Diagnosis Questions for Your Doctor: Treatment Taking Care of Yourself or Your Child What to Expect Getting Support More When you have a severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), your immune system can't fight off even mild infections on its own. With adenosine deaminase severe combined immunodeficiency (ADA-SCID), your body's defenses stop working because of a problem with your genes.
New Approaches to Securing Retinal Breaks During Surgery
Clinical Update Download PDF Surgically treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs) often requires use of a tamponade agent such as silicone oil or gas to cover retinal breaks, preventing fluid from entering the subretinal space. Although they are needed only until the laser permanently seals the breaks, these agents come with their own set of disadvantages, said Mudit Tyagi, MD, at LV Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad, India.
Depression: Physical Effects and Complications
Depression is a brain disorder that can lead to much emotional anguish. Changes in how your brain functions also can have a big effect on your body. Is it any wonder, then, that depression contributes to a wide array of physical problems that affect everything from your heart to your immune system? Depression doesn't just cause physical symptoms; it can also increase your risk for -- or may worsen -- certain physical illnesses or conditions. In turn, some illnesses can also trigger depression.
How to Avoid a Schizophrenia Relapse
When schizophrenia is under control, and the symptoms stop or get better, it can be easy to think it’s behind you. But relapses can happen. That means that the symptoms come back. You can help prevent them by watching out for early warning signs. Talk to your doctor right away if you -- or your family and friends -- notice any of these signs. The doctor may be able to adjust treatment or help you get back on track if you stopped taking your meds.
Optimizing Outcomes With Toric IOLs
Clinical Update Optimizing Outcomes With Toric IOLs By Annie Stuart, Contributing Writer, interviewing John Berdahl, MD, John A. Hovanesian, MD, and Sumitra S. Khandelwal, MD Advice from experts on implanting toric IOLs.
Biologics: Spotting and Managing Ocular Adverse Effects
Clinical Update Biologics: Spotting and Managing Ocular Adverse Effects By Annie Stuart, interviewing Winston D. Chamberlain, MD, PhD, Asim V. Farooq, MD, and Joann J. Kang, MD A few new systemic drugs have been associated with ocular surface problems. What you need to know.
How to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
A DVT is a blood clot that forms deep in your veins, most often in your leg. It can partially or completely block blood flow back to the heart and damage the one-way valves in your veins. It can also break free and travel to major organs, such as your lungs, which can be very dangerous. Among people in the United States who have DVT, about 1 in 10 die from DVT complications. About 350,000 Americans are diagnosed with these blood clots each year, and almost as many have them and don't know it.
Handling Irregular Astigmatism
Handling Irregular Astigmatism By Annie Stuart, Contributing Writer Fairly uncommon, clinically relevant irregular astigmatism is not always front of mind for clinicians. Experts discuss when to suspect it, how to diagnose it, and nonsurgical and surgical approaches to treatment.
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