A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, happens when something blocks the blood flow in an artery (blood vessel) that feeds the heart. This lack of blood flow to the heart damages the heart muscle and can cause a heart attack, resulting in symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and nausea. Heart … Read more
Severe dehydration happens when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. This can cause different symptoms depending on how dehydrated you are. Mild symptoms may include extreme thirst, dry mouth, and dark-colored urine. In more severe cases, you may experience confusion, fainting, or organ failure. Mild symptoms typically get worse the longer you … Read more
Pumpkin spice is made up of a blend of spices that typically includes cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. This beloved seasonal flavor has made its way into many fall recipes—from lattes to pies. Pumpkin spice also offers a range of health benefits that make it more than just a seasonal indulgence. This warming blend … Read more
Experiencing swelling in your gums is a common occurrence for most people. The gingiva (tissue at the base of your teeth) may feel enlarged, inflamed, and irritated. The swelling may affect one or more of your papillae—gum areas between your teeth. If you notice swollen gums lasting more than two weeks or making it … Read more
Male breast cancer is a rare type of cancer that typically causes cancerous (malignant) cells develop in tissues in the breast or chest. Risk factors like a family history of cancer and radiation treatment of the chest increase your chances of developing this condition. Male breast cancer is estimated to cause less than 3,000 new … Read more
Estrogen is a sexual and reproductive hormone. Both women and men have estrogen, but it’s much more prominent in people assigned female at birth. Estrogen is responsible for the physical changes associated with female puberty, menstrual cycle regulation, sexual desire, cognitive function, bone health, and fat metabolism. Signs of low estrogen include hot flashes, mood … Read more
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to a range of symptoms that persist after a COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can vary widely and affect multiple organ systems. They can range from mild to disabling and may come and go. Long COVID symptoms can last weeks, months, or years, significantly … Read more
At-home STI tests are increasingly common in stores and online—but for a while, the only one with the approval of the Food and Drug Administration was for HIV. That’s beginning to change, however. Most recently, the FDA approved an at-home, over-the-counter kit that tests for syphilis. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious health … Read more
Synesthesia is a neurodevelopmental (brain-related) condition that occurs when one of your senses causes an activation of another sense at the same time. For example, this may cause you to see colors, taste sounds, or feel smells—among other combinations of sensory crossovers. While more research on synesthesia is still needed, experts estimate that up to … Read more
Not being able to talk, or losing your voice, can be a distressing experience—especially if you use your voice often for work or school. It can also be uncomfortable. Your voice may be hoarse, and your throat may be sore, inflamed, or painful. Most voice loss is the result of laryngitis, a viral infection that … Read more