Antihistamines vs. Corticosteroids: What’s the Difference?

Antihistamines and corticosteroids are both medications used to treat allergies. In this way, they both work on the immune system. Antihistamines are typically used to treat common allergies. Longhua Liao / Getty Images They work by reducing the impact of histamine production in the body. Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical associated with immune system functioning. Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications that work to reduce inflammatory processes in the body and reduceoveractive immune system activity....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 696 words · David Smith

Anxiety and Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Anxiety is your body’s response to anticipated danger. It is typically associated with worry or fear. There are different types of anxiety disorders. Verywell / Cindy Chung While some symptoms are similar, there are also some key differences. What Is Anxiety? There are different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and others. Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell​ These conditions are not the same as day-to-day worry. However, if worrying gets out of control, it can become an anxiety disorder....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 346 words · Mr. Jeffrey Knapp

Anxiety and Depression Overlap: Link Between Comorbid Disorders

Havingdepressionandanxietyat the same time is somewhat common. Research shows that 60% of people with anxiety will also have symptoms of depression. The rate is the same for those who have depression with symptoms of anxiety. MementoJpeg / Getty Images Anxiety and depression are two distinct conditions that can occur at the same time. This can make symptoms more complex. However, the same treatments can address both problems. They can often improve withpsychotherapy(talk therapy), drugs, or both....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 747 words · Derrick West DVM

Aortic Regurgitation (Leaky Heart Valve): What to Know

sturti / Getty Images What Happens in Aortic Regurgitation? To understand why this is significant, its helpful to learn about theanatomy of the heart. The left ventricle pumps blood through the aortic valve into theaorta, the largest artery in the body. sturti / Getty Images From there, blood flows throughout the body, delivering oxygen to your muscles and tissues. With aortic regurgitation, some of the blood that is ejected into the aorta....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 415 words · Ashley Kelly

Aortic Stenosis: Effects of Heart Valve Narrowing

Aortic stenosis is a condition that causes the heart’s aortic valve to narrow. The aortic valve connects the heart’s main pumping chamber (left ventricle) to the aorta. Aortic stenosis can occur due to a congenitally abnormal aortic valve or due to degeneration of the valve. FG Trade Latin / Getty Images It’s a fairly common condition, particularly in adults over age 65 years. In later stages, when symptoms are present,valve replacementis necessary....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 529 words · Brittney Gray

Apetamin Promises Weight Gain, but FDA Warns Against Dangerous Side Effects

The supplement is mainly promoted and sold through social media and online marketplaces, according to the FDA. The safety and efficacy of Apetamin are not well-researched. What Is Apetamin? DEV IMAGES / Getty Images. How Does It Work? Apetamin comes in a syrup or tablet form. It contains cyproheptadine, a potent antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. Manufactured in India, Apetamin also contains vitamins and an amino acid calledlysine. Limited research shows that lysine may help the body with creating protein and repairing muscles....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 188 words · William Roberson

Apical Pulse: What It Is and How to Check It

The apical pulse can provide information about heart rate, rhythm, size, and location. Some abnormalities of the heart’s structure can cause changes in the apical pulse. The heart apex is located just below the nipple on the left side of the chest. Science Photo Library / Getty Images It is the pulse point that gives the most accurate heart rate reading. The collarbone and ribs are landmarks for finding the apical pulse....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 367 words · James Snyder

Appendicitis

When inflamed, the appendix swells and becomes filled with a thick, infectious fluid calledpus. This article will provide insight into what causes the appendix to become inflamed. It will also highlight the symptoms, diagnosis, andtreatment of appendicitis. Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health Can I Tell I Have Appendicitis at Home? No, there is no way to diagnose appendicitis at home. What Causes Appendicitis?...

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 617 words · Mary Wood

Appendicitis in Kids

Appendicitis in kids should be treated as a medical emergency. Knowing the signs to seek help as soon as possible is important. The earlier appendicitis is diagnosed and treated, the better the recovery period. d76 masahiro ikeda / Getty Images This article describes the symptoms, causes, and treatment for appendicitis in kids. d76 masahiro ikeda / Getty Images How Serious Is Appendicitis in Kids? Appendicitis is considered a medical emergency.A blockage in the appendix causes bacteria to grow, leading to an infection....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 613 words · Karen Fischer

Appendicitis Medication List

Treatment plans may include medication only or surgery with medication The onset ofappendicitisis an urgent problem that needs treatment. Whether you receive surgery (anappendectomy) or not, medication will be administered during treatment. This article describes how appendicitis medication can be taken alone or with surgery to treat a diseased appendix. Shana Novak / Getty Images Shana Novak / Getty Images Is There a Gold Standard for Appendicitis Treatment? It may also benefit older people for whom surgery carries a higher risk of potential complications....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 476 words · Lawrence Blankenship

Appendicitis vs. Kidney Stones

Telling the difference betweenappendicitisand kidney stones may sometimes be difficult. Appendicitis is often an acute problem that results from aninflamedor diseased organ. Kidney stones usually develop over time when crystals form and come together in your urinary tract. stefanamer / Getty Images Yourkidneysare bean-shaped organs located just under yourrib cage, on either side of yourspine. Your urine travels through tube-like muscles calledureters, which connect your kidneys to yourbladder. When urine reaches your bladder, it remains there until you empty it by urinating....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 857 words · Stephanie Mueller

Appendix Rupture Causes and Symptoms

This spreads bacteria throughout your abdomen. A burst appendix can cause a painful, life-threatening infection. Immediate surgery to remove the appendix and wash the abdominal cavity is necessary. Thitaree Mahawong / EyeEm / Getty Images Thitaree Mahawong / EyeEm / Getty Images What Causes an Appendix Rupture? This is what causes the appendix to rupture or tear. The contents then leak into the abdomen, which spreads the infection. How Do You Know Your Appendix Burst?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 255 words · Julia Grimes

Apple Allergy Frequency, Symptoms, and Foods to Avoid

Apple allergies can occur, especially in people who are allergic to birch tree pollen. Up to 8% of children and 3% of adults may experiencefood allergies, including reactions to apples. The main allergens in apples are the proteinsMal D1toMal D4, withMal D1being the most common trigger among them. Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou These reactions usually happen after eating raw apples, while gastrointestinal symptoms are rare. The severity of these symptoms can vary based on the throw in of apple and its ripeness....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 366 words · Cheyenne Mcclain