Gut Imbalances Might Play a Role in Autism, Study Finds

The study, published inNature Communications, adds to a growing body of research that shows agut-brain connectionin autism. The analysis focused ontryptophan, an amino acid thatgut microbesconvert into various compounds, includingserotonin. Tryptophan metabolites were linked to altered brain activity in areas involved in emotional and sensory processing. Dragon Claws / Getty Images Researchers found a reduction of kynurenatea key metabolitein autistic children. This compound helps protect the brain, and lower levels may increase vulnerability to behavioral and cognitive issues....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 162 words · Jennifer Morris

H2 Blockers vs PPIs: Which Is Best for Acid Reflux?

These medicines can be prescribed by your healthcare provider or purchased over the counter (OTC). Read on for more details. Medications in this class include the following: Which Is More Effective? Bloomberg / Contributor / Getty Images H2 blockers are less effective at treating reflux symptoms than PPIs. How Long Do They Take to Work? H2 blockers start working faster than PPIs, typically within one to three hours. In contrast, it may take up to four days to see the effects of PPIs....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 346 words · Ricardo Pierce

Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy

People undergoing chemotherapy will notice different levels of hair regrowth. This article discusses how chemotherapy impacts hair loss and regrowth. What Is Chemotherapy? FatCamera / Getty Images Chemotherapyis a treatment that uses strong medicines to kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells and normal fast-growing cells. It is a commoncancer treatmentand is often referred to as chemo. Surgery and radiation therapy remove, kill, or damage cancer cells in a specific area of the body....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 366 words · Karen Jackson

Half of Americans Who Need an RSV Vaccine Have Never Heard of It, Survey Finds

But many people who might benefit from the shot dont know it exists. The vaccine offers protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Close to 40% said they were not interested in getting it. FatCamera / Getty Images Why Are Older Adults At Risk for Severe RSV? RSV is common and usually causes only mild, cold-like symptoms. But it can be serious in both older adults and infants. Treatments for RSV include over-the-counter medications and staying hydrated, and most people recover in a week or two....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 166 words · Erica Gallegos

Hammertoe Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

This article will let you know what to expect before, during, and after hammertoe surgery. Bunion surgerycan sometimes be done at the same time as hammertoe surgery. Abunioncan cause hammertoe if the big toe puts pressure on the second toe over time. Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health Who Is a Good Candidate for Surgery? Over time, your toe muscles weaken and may be unable to straighten. Some X-rays may be ordered to evaluate your bones and joints....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 604 words · John Stevens

Hamstring Injury: Recovering From Thigh and Leg Pain

Hamstringinjuries occur when you strain or tear one of the muscles in the back of your thigh. Depending on the punch in of injury, hamstring injuries can cause pain anywhere along the muscle. Hamstring injuries range from a mild strainsometimes called a “pulled hamstring"to a complete tear. Davizro / Getty Images These injuries are graded based on their severity: All grades of hamstring injuries can cause significant pain. This pain is typically sharp and comes on suddenly when the injury occurs....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 337 words · Tracy Wiggins

Hamstring Tendonitis: Guide to Recovery and Rehabilitation

Hamstring tendonitis results from inflammation of the tendons at the back of the thigh. SimpleImages / Getty Images Causes: How Does Hamstring Tendonitis Happen? Hamstringtendonitis,like other conditions that affect tendons, results from repetitive stress and overuse. SimpleImages / Getty Images This includes movements like: This can also occur if there is weakness in the glute muscles. This can strain the hamstring muscles too much, leading to tendonitis. Pain and tenderness to the touch are often felt over this area....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 480 words · Travis Burnett

Hand Eczema Causes and Treatment

Handeczemais a chronic inflammatory condition that causes dry, red, itchy skin on the hands and fingers. It can be triggered by chemical or environmental irritants, allergy-causing substances, and even stress and sweating. Hand eczema may require diagnosis by a skin specialist called adermatologistwho can differentiate it from similar conditions likepsoriasis. It is a non-contagious condition whose underlying cause is unknown. However, genetics are thought to predispose individuals to an abnormal inflammatory response when exposed to certain triggers....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 254 words · Susan Arnold

Hand Physical Therapy for Arthritis

Hand therapy helps people relieve pain and continue to perform daily activities. Patients with different ailments and injuries can benefit from hand therapy. Hand therapists often work with a surgical team and help the patient regain physical functioning after surgery. skynesher / Getty Images How Does Hand Therapy Work? A person with these conditions feels pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Hand therapy plays a crucial role in this process....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 243 words · Amanda Lloyd

Hand Rash: 12 Possible Causes and Treatment Options

It may be discolored, itchy, or painful. The treatment will depend on the cause and can include moisturizers, steroid cream, or prescription medication. This article will discuss thepossible causesand treatments for a hand rash. Ladanifer / Getty Images It will also cover when to contact a healthcare provider. Ladanifer / Getty Images What Does a Hand Rash Look Like? A hand rash can manifest in many ways based on the underlying cause....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 805 words · Melanie Davis

Hand Tremors

However, the symptom of shaking hands occurs in a number of health conditions. This article presents causes of hand tremors such asParkinson’s diseaseor hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). RealPeopleGroup / Getty Images Symptoms of Shaking Hands Involuntary shaking can affect one or both hands. RealPeopleGroup / Getty Images This symptom typically comes and goes, or in some medical conditions remains constant. Certain medications, includingWellbutrin(bupropion hydrochloride) can cause your hands to shake, too....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 310 words · Mary Miller

Hanging Jowls: How to Tighten Neck Area

As a person age, factors such as collagen depletion and reduced skin elasticity contribute to developing jowls. These changes are part of the normal aging process. Fortunately, several optional treatments are available that may help reclaim a more rejuvenated look. MixMedia / Getty Images Here, we will explore a range of optional treatments designed to tighten and lift sagging jowls. Jowls often become increasingly prominent in those age 60 and older....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 495 words · Teresa Stephenson

Hartmann’s Procedure: Everything You Need to Know

This complicated treatment requires significant preparation, a lengthy hospital stay, as well as lifestyle changes afterward. What Is Hartmanns Procedure? In cancer cases, this procedure is most often an emergency surgery. Surgery is not the preferred initial treatment for mild-to-moderate cases of diverticulitis. The healthcare provider may first prescribe antibiotics and recommend lifestyle adjustments to treat the condition before indicating surgery. Both open and less-invasive laparoscopic techniques can be used to perform Hartmanns procedure....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 345 words · Autumn Harper