How to Recognize and Treat Opioid Abuse Before It’s Too Late

Opioids are medications that are used for pain relief, typically for moderate to severe pain. Opioid abuse is also calledopioid use disorder. This then led to people looking for stronger doses of medication, with an increase in opioid overdoses. Tetra Images / Getty Images Someone living with opioid abuse may be in overall poor health. Brain Opioid abuse can cause the brain and body to become overly sensitive to pain....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 615 words · Michele Ortiz

How to Recognize Gout in the Fingers

What Are Tophi? Tophi are large, hardened accumulations of uric acid crystals within and around the joints. They can cause pain and deformities and affect range of motion. Verywell / Ellen Lindner This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. What Is Pseudogout? Pseudogout causes red, painful, and swollen joints. joloei / Getty Images Early diagnosis makes gout easier to manage. Hydration helps in the prevention and treatment of gout, helping to flush out the excess uric acid....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 246 words · Jade Valdez

How to Recognize Mixed Personality Disorder

This article discusses mixed personality disorder types, and their symptoms, causes, and treatment. It offers information about how to seek help for someone experiencing symptoms. The DSM-4 called it “personality disorder not otherwise specified.” FG Trade / Getty Images It’s also possible to fully meet the criteria for more than one personality throw in. Causes of Personality Disorders An exact cause of any personality disorder is not known. A diagnosis often begins with a primary healthcare provider....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 255 words · Kathryn Peters

How to Recognize Placental Abruption

The complication can also result in severe maternal hemorrhage. During placental abruption, the placenta may separate entirely or partially. Most often, placental abruption is a complication of the third trimester. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc. / Getty Images It can also occur earlier in the second half of pregnancy and during labor. Placental abruption occurs in 1% of pregnancies. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc. / Getty Images What Is Placental Abruption? Theplacentais the organ that provides blood flow and oxygen to the fetus....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 670 words · Wanda Carter

How to Recognize Signs of Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse can occur in romantic relationships, between a parent and a child, or at work. This article discusses the common signs of verbal abuse, the types, and how to seek help. What Is Verbal Abuse? Verywell / Theresa Chiechi It is used to maintain a level of control or power over the other person. “Abuse” is the term used to describe acts or behaviors that are damaging in nature....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 640 words · Cody Wood

How to Reduce Cross-Contamination If You Have Food Allergies

People who are diagnosed with food allergies need to avoid eating the foods that trigger their symptoms. However, simply avoiding those allergenic foods often isnt enough to eliminate symptomsthats where cross-contamination comes in. Cross-contamination comes up whenever a food allergen contaminates a food that is naturally free of allergens. Raphye Alexius / Getty Images This problem also can occur in manufacturing facilities. Cross-contamination can occur almost anywhere, at home, in restaurants, at school or on manufacturing lines....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 210 words · Samantha Villarreal

How to Reduce Prednisone Side Effects

These include insomnia, changes in mood, weight gain, and irregular menstrual periods. Prednisone is typically prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time. This reduces the risk of side effects and severe complications likeosteoporosis, glaucoma, and diabetes. Verywell / Britney Willson This article explores common side effects of prednisone and strategies to help prevent them. It also looks at how to safely discontinue prednisone when it is no longer needed....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 373 words · Jeremiah Ayala

How to Reduce Racing Thoughts at Night

Lying awake in bed is unlikely to help. This article walks you through these strategies for reducing racing thoughts at night. Instead, I will think about it tomorrow during my scheduled worry time." Verywell / JR Bee These affirming thoughts can shut down racing thoughts and allow you to get to sleep. For instance: As you accomplish the tasks day by day, you cross them off. Eventually, you might remove the stressor itself from the list....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 236 words · Ashley Wallace

How to Relax Before Bed

Creating and sticking to a consistentbedtime routinecan help you transition to sleep more easily and relieveinsomnia. Children are a great example of the value of bedtime routines. For kids, bedtime is often regulararound the same time every day of the week. PeopleImages / Getty Images Some people benefit from setting anartificial closureto the day. Setting a stopping point helps protect your total sleep time and can ease insomnia. It can also establish a buffer zone between your daytime activities (and stress) and restful sleep....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 295 words · John Tucker

How to Relieve Body Aches When You’re Sick

This article explains why body aches occur with the flu and who may be at greatest risk. It describes six ways to relieve flu-related body aches and when it is time to see a healthcare provider. During an infection, the immune system floods the body with inflammatory chemicals likehistamineandcytokines. Verywell / Michela Buttignol Pain is another consequence. Take a Pain Reliever Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with body aches from the flu....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 345 words · John Scott

How to Relieve Constipation Bloating

Identifying the underlying cause of constipation is important Bloatingandconstipationand two symptoms that often go hand in hand. Bloating is an uncomfortable gassy feeling that can be because of several issues, including constipation. This article will discuss how constipation and bloating look and feel, as well as their symptoms and treatments. adamkaz / Getty Images It will also cover when to contact a healthcare provider for treatment. This feeling comes from the trapped gas or stool in the intestines....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 386 words · Stephanie Page

How to Relieve Ear Congestion

Treatment generally depends on what is causing the congestion. You may need prescription antibiotics; in some instances, surgery is necessary. A number of conditions cause tissue and blood vessels to become swollen. Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images These lead to a blockage of the Eustachian tube and a buildup of fluid in the middle ear. How do you get rid of ear pressure from congestion? Unclog your earsby swallowing, yawning, or chewing....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 543 words · Mr. Robert Bailey IV

How to Relieve Ear Pressure

Ear pressure can be an unpleasant sensation. You might notice fullness, stuffiness, muffled hearing, or pain within your ear. Earwax Buildup Earwax buildupis another possible cause of ear pressure. Nes / Getty Images When wax collects, it can cause a blockage against the eardrum. A healthcare provider canremove earwaxmanually. There are also over-the-counter ear drops that help break up the wax. Never remove earwax with a cotton swab; this approach can push the wax deeper into the ear....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 615 words · Jeffrey Walker DVM