A dull, aching, or blunt pain in the lower back is one of the most common reasons adults visit a doctor. Unlike a sharp, stabbing sensation that might signal a sudden injury, a blunt pain usually feels like a deep, persistent ache that may be accompanied by stiffness. Most of the time, this type of … Read more
St. John’s wort is a plant extract used for centuries in traditional medicine. Today, it is best known as a natural remedy for mild to moderate depression. Research shows it can be more effective than a placebo for some people, and it works differently in the brain than standard prescription antidepressants. However, it carries serious … Read more
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is a common household staple found in medicine cabinets and first aid kits. It is made through a chemical process that combines two simple molecules: water and propene. Propene is a byproduct of petroleum refining and natural gas processing, and manufacturers use a reaction called indirect hydration to … Read more
Clostridium difficile, often called C. diff, is a bacterium that causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. It is a major concern in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The short answer is that C. diff is primarily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and hands, not through the air like a cold or flu. … Read more
Adderall is a stimulant medication prescribed for ADHD, and for many people it works well. But it can also affect mood, and for some people, that includes feeling depressed or emotionally flat. Depression is a known possible side effect of Adderall, though it is not the most common one, and it is often tied to … Read more
Phentermine is a prescription weight-loss medication that works by suppressing appetite. The best time to take it is in the morning, usually 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. Taking it early in the day helps reduce daytime hunger while minimizing the risk of insomnia, since phentermine is a stimulant that can keep you awake if … Read more
Yes, people can sneeze in their sleep, but it is less common than sneezing while awake. The reason is not that the sneeze reflex stops working. It is that your brain processes sensory signals differently during sleep, especially during the deep stages. Why Do We Sneeze? A sneeze is a protective reflex. Your body uses … Read more
Diarrhea is a common and unpleasant condition that most people experience from time to time. Certain foods are well-known triggers that can cause loose, watery stools or make an existing bout worse. The most common culprits include spicy foods, foods high in sugar or artificial sweeteners, greasy or fried items, and dairy products for those … Read more
Pink eye from poop is a real thing, but the route of infection is not what most people imagine. You do not get it from touching poop directly. You get it when fecal bacteria reach your hands and then your eyes. The medical term is fecal-oral transmission, though the germs end up in the eye … Read more
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often shows no symptoms until it is advanced. That is why blood tests are the primary way doctors find it. The diagnosis relies on a simple blood test that measures a waste product called creatinine. From that number, a lab calculates your estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR. This single value … Read more