An Overview of Pleurodynia

It triggers when a viral infection affects the lining of the lungs or muscles near them in the chest. Infections typically last four to six days and are most common in people under the age of 30. This article explains pleurodynia, its symptoms, and its relationship to certain enteroviruses. Istockphoto.com / Stock Photo / KittisakJirasittichai It presents information on pleurodynia diagnosis, treatment, and complications that may occur. What Is Pleurodynia? On occasion, the pain will extend to the neck or arms....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 288 words · Devin Cannon

An Overview of Pollen Allergies

There are many types of pollen that come from trees, grass, weeds, and other plants. Trees typically pollinate in the spring, grasses in the summer, and weeds in the fall. Allergy medications and allergy shots can help prevent the effects of a pollen allergy and make you more comfortable. Theresa Chiechi / Verywell Theresa Chiechi / Verywell Symptoms Pollen allergies are more common in older children and adults. This is usually a lifetime problem, although the symptoms and severity can change over the years....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 725 words · Miguel Boyd

An Overview of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

However, other people are at risknot only people with MS. They may include: Even though PML is an infection, it doesn’t usually cause a fever. Early diagnosis offers you the best chance for a good outcome should you develop this disease. Alex Dos Diaz / Verywell Interferons such asAvonex (interferon beta-1a)andBetaseron (interferon beta-1b)do not increase the risk of PML. And corticosteroids, which are used during an MS exacerbation, are also not associated with PML....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 307 words · Mason Hoover

An Overview of Pseudodementia

This article describes the history of this term and lists the characteristics and symptoms of pseudodementia. You’ll learn the difference between dementia and pseudodementia and the role that depression plays. You’ll also find out how healthcare providers screen for, diagnose, and treat this condition. Compassionate Eye Foundation / Robert Kent / DigitalVision / Getty Images It’s hard to classify exactly what pseudodementia is. Plus, its name is misleading. That’s why some professionals advocate stopping using this term altogether....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 215 words · Tammy Day

An Overview of Pulmonary Function Tests

You may also need to have PFTs done before or after surgery. Spirometry Testing Spirometry is the most common PFT. This, the spirometer, immediately reads the volume of air that you exhale with each breath. krisanapong detraphiphat / Getty Images Oxygen and carbon dioxide normally diffuse (flow) through your alveoli and alveolar capillaries. Whilecarbon monoxide is a dangerous gas, this test is completely safe because it only involves a small amount....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 232 words · Karen Vincent

An Overview of Pustular Psoriasis

The pustules are red and scaly and in some cases may cover a large part of the body. People who have widespread pustules need to seek immediate medical attention, as the condition can be life-threatening. This article looks at pustular psoriasis and its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023. It also discusses ways you might be able to prevent this dangerous form of psoriasis....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 542 words · Stacey Williamson

An Overview of Receding Gums

Gums are also called gingivae. This restores a more normal appearance and also covers and protects any exposed root. Veneers Another option is removableveneersthat match your gums. Verywell / Catherine Song It can cover the tooth partially or fully. These are considered a temporary option. Orthodontic Treatment Orthodontic treatments to reposition maligned teeth can be helpful in some cases. Depending on the severity of gum recession, further treatments may be necessary once orthodontic treatment is complete....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 225 words · Richard Shaw

An Overview of Rheumatoid Arthritis Back Pain

How Common Is RA Back Pain? When back pain is RA related,inflammationin the cervical spine is usually the cause. The spine is affected when RA progresses. Paul Bradbury/Getty Images. In other words, inflammation in the back and spine may indicate a more advanced disease. However, the damage can be seen onX-raysas early as two years after diagnosis. A 2015 report suggests that more than 80% of people with RA have some cervical spine involvement....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 528 words · Jeffrey Smith

An Overview of Rotavirus

Adults can also be infected with rotavirus, although they usually have milder symptoms. Symptoms The symptoms ofrotavirusinfection are similar for children and adults. Usually, adults tend to have milder versions of the illness. Getty Images/Paul Bradbury Older children will often complain of stomach upset. You or your child may still be contagious for several days after recovering from rotavirus infection. Complications Typically, a rotavirus infection lasts for only a few days....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 272 words · Miranda Wells

An Overview of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome

It is a rare genetic disease present in approximately 1 in 100,000 to 125,000 people born. Mild cases of this disorder are treated with supportive care and addressing any specific deficits. Infants are monitored closely for medical complications. simarik / Getty Images Severe cases of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome may cause failure to gain weight, along with severe and frequent infections. In these instances, infants rarely survive past early childhood. This article will discuss the symptoms and features of Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 359 words · Kara Miller

An Overview of Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Low back painhas many different causes, including issues related to the sacroiliac (SI) joints. Yoursacroiliac jointsact as shock absorbers, decreasing stress on the pelvis and spine. And they transfer the load from your upper body to your lower body when you’re standing or walking. Jo Zixuan Zhou / Verywell Sometimes the pain is felt in the groin, thigh, below the knee, or in the buttocks. Depending on the cause, other symptoms may arise....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 202 words · Rebecca Holmes

An Overview of Scurvy

Scurvya potentially fatal medical condition triggered by vitamin C deficiencyis not common. However, this nutritional deficit does occur, even in developed countries like the United States. And it is not customary to screen for vitamin C levels on a routine blood test. Tom Merton / Creative RF / Getty Images Treatment of scurvy involves vitamin C replacement with vitamin C-rich foods and/or a vitamin C supplement. Symptoms The symptoms of scurvy tend to start out slowly and worsen over time....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 281 words · Adrian Riley

An Overview of Seborrheic Keratosis

This article looks at seborrheic keratoses, what they are, and how they are diagnosed and treated. What Are Skin Barnacles? Seborrheic keratoses are harmless, noncancerous growths that usually appear during adulthood. DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND The number of growths typically increases as you age. This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. The precise cause of seborrheic keratosis remains unknown. DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND Summary Seborrheic keratoses are also called “skin barnacles....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 214 words · Michael Burns