The development of a retropharyngeal abscess is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening. Urgent treatment is necessary because this abscess can impact your ability to swallow and breathe. The abscess can develop because lymph nodes in the neck become swollen during an infection. Marko Geber / Getty Images An abscess is a walled-off cavity filled withpusa collection of bacteria, debris, and white blood cells. It can be difficult for the immune system to destroy bacteria inside an abscess....

Varicocelectomyis a surgery used to remove swollen veins inside thescrotum, calledvaricoceles. It is generally performed when varicoceles cause chronicpainorinfertility. It can be used in adult males and boys and is usually performed as a same-day,outpatientprocedure. Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health Varicocelectomy is a common procedure with a relatively low risk of side effects and complications. The article explains what varicoceles is and what conditions varicocelectomy can treat. It also describes how varicocelectomy is performed, including the potential risks and what to expect during recovery....

How quickly the disease progresses depends on the specific subspecies responsible for the infection. you’re able to be infected for months or even years before the first symptoms become apparent. Without treatment, the disease is almost always fatal. Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee What Happens Physically to a Person Who Gets African Sleeping Sickness? The symptoms of African trypanosomiasis vary based on the stage of the untreated disease. During this stage, a person experiences mental deterioration and, without treatment, eventually death....

While uncommon, it is possible to be diagnosed withALS(amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) when you arepregnant. This article provides an overview of ALS and pregnancy. Phynart Studio/ Getty Images ALS is aprogressive disease, which means that it gets significantly worse over time. Phynart Studio/ Getty Images It is extremely rare to develop ALS during the reproductive years. The disease does not affect a persons reproductive, bowel, or bladder functions. It does not appear to impact a personsfertilityor ability to become pregnant....

On the flip side, a negative result doesn’t necessarily mean that youdon’thave lupus. What Is Lupus? As with other autoimmune diseases, lupus is brought on by an immune system that has gone awry. Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions. Lupus is called systemic because it attacks the body as a whole. In their entirety, these findings can help support the diagnosis....

Ankylosing spondylitis is atype of arthritisthat causes inflammation primarily in the spine but can also affect other joints. People with ankylosing spondylitis are often prescribed immunosuppressive medications to manage their symptoms and reduce inflammation. Biologics like IL-17 and IL-12/23 inhibitors are also used to treat the condition. Marko Geber / Getty Images It’s still unclear whether ankylosing spondylitis itself is a risk factor for COVID-19. Always consult your healthcare provider before stopping or changing the dosage of your medications....

These eye ointments contain different types of antibiotics and are prescribed to combat a variety of infections. While they are mostly helpful, all antibiotics come with potential health risks. Heres how to best use them. buradaki / iStock / Getty Images buradaki / iStock / Getty Images Uses All antibiotics are not the same. There are different antibiotic classes with different mechanisms of action. These include aminoglycoside, macrolide, polypeptide, quinolone, and tetracycline antibiotics....

Around 60% of all people with asthma have allergic asthma. It discusses side effects, drug interactions, and other concerns. To Treat Allergies Antihistamines are not a first-line treatment for allergic asthma. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health That’s because histamine is not the only chemical involved in asthma symptoms. Therefore, people use antihistamines for allergy symptoms with a limited expectation for improving allergic asthma. But they don’t treat acute asthma symptoms and should never be taken for an asthma attack....

However, you may not know that the various products with this label contain different active ingredients. You may find certain forms more effective or pleasant to use than others. However, some people also find it helpful for more chronic problems, likeosteoarthritispain. CasarsaGuru / Getty Images Different active ingredients work in distinct ways to reduce your pain. Aspercreme containing this active ingredient comes in a cream version only. Aspercreme With Lidocaine Most Aspercreme products fall into this category....

Beano, an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement, contains a natural enzyme calledalpha-galactosidase. This reduces gas production, particularly after you eat certain vegetables, legumes, or whole grains. This can prevent symptoms like flatulence (farting), abdominal cramping, and bloating. Verywell / Getty Images That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. There is no evidence that Beano is unsafe for pregnant people or those who are breastfeeding. Beano has not been tested in children, so consult your childs pediatrician before giving them Beano....

Cheilectomy is the clinical name for big toebone spursurgery. Cheilectomy is considered a joint-sparing treatment because it reduces pain and stiffness while preserving motion of the toe joint. What Is Cheilectomy? Dr. Neal Blitz This helps to relieve pain and create space for the toe joint to move. In addition, something called micro-fracture may be performed. In this, holes are drilled into the bone where the cartilage is missing. This creates extra blood flow and allows a chance for a scar-like tissue or cartilage to form....

They work by reducing the production of glucose that occurs during digestion. Metformin is the only biguanide currently available in most countries for treatingdiabetes. Metformin is sold under the brand names Fortamet and Glumetza, and also as a generic medication. Francis Dean / Getty Images It is also available in combination with several other types of diabetes medications, such assulfonylureas. Metformin works by controlling the amount of sugar in your blood....

Mostbirth controlis safe for people withtype 1 and 2 diabetes. However, contraceptives that contain hormones may need further evaluation by your healthcare provider. This article will discuss how birth control affects diabetes and blood sugar. Patcharin Simalhek / EyeEm/ Getty Images Patcharin Simalhek / EyeEm/ Getty Images Does Birth Control Affect Blood Sugar? Birth control that contains hormones can elevate some people’sblood glucose levels. Hormonal contraceptives increase the female sex hormonesestrogenandprogesterone....