Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

Fatigue is a relative term, meaning each of us evaluate our current energy level based upon how we feel most of the time. For example, people who are very energetic and go nonstop from early morning to late at night might say they have fatigue if they felt like most of us do every day.

Despite that variation, most people do have a sense when their level of fatigue feels like something more than just being tired. If that's case, even if it lasted only seven to 10 days, it's time to call your doctor's office. Signs that your fatigue might be related to an underlying illness or infection include low grade fever, night sweats, shortness of breath or loss of appetite. Other triggers for calling your doctor might be waking up exhausted despite a good night's sleep, not feeling motivated to begin the day, or struggling to do activities that are usually easy for you. 

Hyperthyroidism means that there is abnormally high amounts of thyroid in the blood stream. Hyperthyroidism can happen when the thyroid gland either makes or secretes excess thyroid hormone or when people take a higher dose of thyroid pills than they need. Although some observational studies suggest hyperthyroidism may increase the risk of infection, hyperthyroidism should not make a person immunocompromised.

Broken heart syndrome (officially known as takotsubo syndrome) causes symptoms similar to a heart attack. While intense emotional stress can trigger the condition, physical stressors such as surgery or severe illness are more common causes. Most cases occur in women, but proportion of cases recognized in men has risen in recent decades. Most people fully recover within weeks to months. But those who also have other serious health conditions may face a higher risk of dying within two months after being diagnosed with takotsubo syndrome.

Up to 40% of American adults have reported difficulty swallowing pills. Older adults are more susceptible to this problem, known as dysphagia, because they take more medications. Dysphagia may provoke people to abandon their medication regimen. Problems swallowing pills are typically traceable either to the medication or the person taking it. Drugs can cause dry mouth, affect taste, irritate the esophagus, or cause sedative effects. Conditions that affect swallowing include cancer, stroke, neurological diseases, and hiatal hernia.

Popular exercise styles can be subject to trends. Scientists have studied high-intensity bursts of exercise a great deal in recent years, but research continues to also focus on the health benefits of moderate-intensity, continuous movement. Studies suggest both types of exercise can lower the odds of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature death. High-intensity exercise, however, can help people fulfill recommended exercise guidelines in less time. It does pose drawbacks, however, such as a higher risk of injuries and inflammation to joints and muscles.

Communicating with someone with dementia can be tricky, since their ability to understand others and express themselves fluctuates and declines. Certain communication strategies can help smooth interactions between caregivers and dementia patients. They include being an active listener, avoiding confrontation, agreeing with the patient’s reality, removing distractions, using shorter sentences and smaller words, asking yes-or-no questions, using written lists and schedules, and incorporating touch.

Dentists can help detect health problems far beyond the mouth. These conditions include oral cancer, diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoporosis, acid reflux, and eating disorders. People can maximize their dental check-ups by sharing health updates and voicing health concerns. Only two-thirds of Americans visited the dentist in the past year, and many avoid dental visits due to fear or embarrassment. There are many strategies to help people tamp down these emotions, including music, relaxation, and medication.

Vaginal moisturizer and lubricant both combat vaginal dryness, but they’re not the same. Vaginal moisturizers are absorbed into vaginal tissue, while lubricants remain on the surface. Women should speak to their doctor if vaginal dryness persists.