These changes also make it more difficult to accurately use blood work to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis in women. 2011 Jan;30(1):121-7. doi: 10.1007/s10067-010-1581-5 Pornpak Khunatorn / Getty Images

Michelle Lee Photography / Getty images What Are Antacids and How Do They Work? pHis a measure that indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, like your stomach acid. The lower this number is, the more hydrogen ions there are and the more acidic the environment is. Michelle Lee Photography / Getty images Antacids contain ingredients like aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or sodium. These medications work differently from antacids but ultimately have similar effects....

While HIV cannot be cured, it can be treated with a group of drugs known asantiretrovirals. When used in combination, antiretroviral drugs prevent the virus from making copies of itself. By doing so, the virus can be suppressed to levels where it can do the body little harm. Verywell / Theresa Chiechi This article will discuss how antiretrovirals work to help people with HIV. Verywell / Theresa Chiechi What Is Antiretroviral Therapy?...

It can sometimes be challenging to diagnose GAD and may take time. Your primary care healthcare provider may refer you to a specialized mental health provider, such as a psychotherapist. The DSM-5 lists specific symptoms that help your healthcare provider determine the key in of condition you have. Verywell / Ellen Lindner The GAD-7 is a questionnaire that ranks your answers on a scale of zero to three. GAD-7 Scoring The total score on the GAD-7 ranges from zero to 21....

Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab),and Remicade (infliximab) are three such medications. This cytokine triggers the inflammation that causes symptoms of RA. TNF blockers are used to treat a variety ofautoimmune disorders. Caiaimage / Agnieszka Wozniak / Getty Images Administration An important difference between Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade is how each is given. They work by blocking immune system proteins that cause symptoms. you could give yourself Enbrel and Humira injections using pre-filled injectable pens....

Homocystinuria is associated with eye issues, thrombosis, bone fractures, and Alzheimer’s disease. This article discusses MTHFR genetic mutations and the associated conditions. It also covers testing recommendations. Science Photo Library - SCIEPRO / Getty Images Examples of common ones include the gene mutations MTHFR A1298C and MTHFR C677T. Only certain, more rare MTHFR variants tend to be associated with health conditions. Understanding MTHFR Genetic Mutations Methylenetetrahydrofolatereductase (MTHFR) is an enzyme produced by the MTHFR gene....

Diabetescan affect many major organs, including your heart, eyes,kidneys, and brain. Zay Nyi Nyi / Getty Images Heart Theheartis part of the cardiovascular orcirculatory system. This body system also includes your blood vessels, which transport oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues. Zay Nyi Nyi / Getty Images Your blood vessels also help remove carbon dioxide, toxins, and waste. There are four main parts of the circulatory system. CVDs include all types of heart disease,stroke, and blood vessel disease....

Diagnosingarthritiscan be confusing and complicated. Self-Checks Most people experiencingjoint painfor the first time think they have a minor injurynot arthritis. Signs and symptoms must not be allowed to persist without consulting a healthcare provider. Gilaxia / Getty Images After the medical history and physical examination have been completed, your healthcare provider will likely need more information. Blood tests can provide this and often serve to confirm what the healthcare provider suspects in the diagnosis....

Arthrodesisis a surgical procedure that fuses two bones together. It is sometimes also called a joint fusion. After arthrodesis, your joint will be permanently held in a fixed position. michellegibson / Getty Images This means the joint will never bend again, but it often results in dramatic pain relief. This article looks at arthrodesis as a treatment for severe arthritis. It also discusses recovery and some of the complications of this procedure....

Ashwagandhabenefits both physical and mental health according to traditional Indian medicine and recent scientific research. These have shown clear antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties along with the potential to affect neurotransmitters in the brain. In experiments, ashwagandha reduced various instances of stress. SGAPhoto / Getty Images Experts believe that these qualities make ashwagandha helpful with neurological and neurodegenerative conditions. The research that’s been done includes some human studies but also relies on animal and lab experiments....

This article will discuss the various types of tests that may be part of a diagnostic workup for asthma. Self Checks / At-Home Testing Asthma is not a disease that can be self-diagnosed. take a stab at keep a record of your symptoms, including when and where they occur. FatCamera / Getty Images Asthma is especially common in people who have atopic conditions such ashay fever (allergic rhinitis)oratopic dermatitis. Your family health history will be important as well, as asthma tends to run in families....

For people with allergic asthma, allergy shots sometimes can help. This article will provide an overview of the various types of asthma treatments. Whats in an Asthma Action Plan? PixelsEffect / Getty Images Asthma action plansare generally divided into three zones: green, yellow, and red. The two most common types of asthma medications are controller medicines and quick-relief medicines. What you use and when depends on several factors, including how severe your asthma is....

Two conditions within this category areatherosclerosisandarteriosclerosis, which are often confused. Both conditions involve changes in the arterial walls. Atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis both affect the arteries, but their impacts, causes, and health risks vary. Photo composite by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health; Getty Images Understanding their differences can reveal how vascular disease develops and affects overall health. A healthy artery has smooth, flexible walls so blood can flow through easily. In atherosclerosis, the artery stiffness is due toplaquebuildup within the arterial walls....