A cough that lingers for weeks is frustrating. You treated the cold, the flu, or whatever started it, yet the hacking continues. This is one of the most common reasons people visit a primary care doctor. A cough is considered chronic when it lasts longer than eight weeks in adults. Four weeks is the threshold … Read more
Holding a stretch for 15 to 30 seconds is the standard recommendation for improving flexibility in most muscle groups. For older adults or people targeting specific mobility goals, holding for 30 to 60 seconds may be more effective. The ideal duration depends on your goal, your warm-up state, and whether you are stretching before or … Read more
Iliotibial band syndrome is one of the most common overuse injuries in runners. It causes a sharp or burning pain on the outside of the knee. The good news is that it is highly preventable with the right training habits and strength work. To prevent IT band syndrome, runners need to gradually increase mileage, strengthen … Read more
Waking up to a bloody pillow or a trickle of blood on your face is alarming, but it is more common than most people think. Nosebleeds that happen while you sleep are usually caused by the same things that cause daytime nosebleeds, mainly dry air and minor irritation. The combination of low humidity, breathing through … Read more
Armpit pimples and bumps are common, and most are not true pimples at all. The armpit has unique skin that folds, rubs, and sweats, which creates conditions for several different types of bumps. Getting rid of them starts with identifying what they actually are. Many bumps resolve with simple changes in hygiene and product use, … Read more
The risk of developing a blood clot from a COVID-19 vaccine is extremely low. For most people, the benefit of protection against severe COVID-19 far outweighs this rare risk. The specific type of clot linked to some vaccines is a unique condition called Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT), which requires specific treatment and is different … Read more
When flu season arrives, the same question comes up every year: which influenza is worse, A or B? The short answer is that influenza A causes most seasonal flu illnesses and is more likely to trigger pandemics. Influenza B is generally less common and tends to cause milder illness, though it can still be serious … Read more
Colonoscopy prep is a deliberate, temporary disruption of your digestive system. Its job is simple: completely empty your colon so a doctor can see its lining clearly. That means clearing out every bit of stool from your large intestine before the procedure. The process involves a strict diet, strong laxatives, and a lot of time … Read more
When a 3-year-old has diarrhea, the first thing to give is an oral rehydration solution (ORS) like Pedialyte. These solutions replace the water, salt, and sugar lost during diarrhea and are the only fluids recommended by pediatric guidelines for treating mild to moderate dehydration in young children. Water alone does not replace the electrolytes a … Read more
A vegetarian diet is built on plant foods: vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Depending on the type of vegetarianism, it may also include dairy products and eggs. The common thread is that all vegetarians avoid meat, poultry, and fish. This article explains the foods you can eat, the nutrients to watch, and how … Read more