The type of pneumonia vaccines, at what age you receive them and how often to get vaccinated depend on your age and the status of your immune system. For adults age 65 and older and younger adults with compromised immune systems, the most important vaccine is the one to prevent bacterial infection with Strep pneumoniae.
The location of a headache may suggest the cause. For example, migraine often starts on one side of the head. Pain and tenderness over one of the facial sinuses suggests sinus blockage or infection. Headache with neck pain and stiffness could be just muscle spasm, but on rare occasions the combination could be due to meningitis or bleeding around in and around the brain.
Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue, which may cause the tongue to become sensitive, painful, red and swollen. Possible causes include:
• A yeast infection (thrush) — usually you would see a white coating on parts of the tongue
• A virus infection, such as oral herpes
• Non-infected ulcers called aphthous stomatitis
• A vitamin or mineral deficiency, especially a B12 or iron deficiency
• A very dry mouth because of decrease saliva production (from medication or part of Sjögren’s syndrome)
The best therapies for neck pain depend on its cause. Some of the more common causes of neck include:
• muscle strain
• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis or related conditions
• minor injury
• disc disease
For many of these, initial treatment may include heat, gentle stretching exercises balanced with rest, acetaminophen, and/or anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen). Standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis includes anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medicines.
Intermittent use of a neck brace and consultation with a physical therapist are often recommended for persistent neck pain. When a nerve is compressed (as may occur with disc disease), a cortisone injection may be helpful.
If symptoms (such as fever or severe pain after an injury) suggest there may be a serious cause, prompt medical evaluation is warranted.
It’s never normal to hear the loud, rasping breathing of stridor. Since stridor can be caused by partial blockage of the upper airway, new onset requires an immediate call for medical advice or prompt in-person medical evaluation. Some causes include infection such as croup or epiglottitis, a foreign body, a tumor or abscess, and a vocal cord problem.
Depersonalization is the feeling of being disconnected from one’s own body or thoughts. People say it feels like they are observing themselves outside of their bodies or living in a dream state. Depersonalization can present as its own disorder but is also associated with other conditions like personality disorders, seizure disorders, substance use, and certain brain disorders.
The best therapies for neck pain depend on its cause. Some of the more common causes of neck include:
• muscle strain
• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis or related conditions
• minor injury
• disc disease
For many of these, initial treatment may include heat, gentle stretching exercises balanced with rest, acetaminophen, and/or anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen). Standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis includes anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medicines.
Intermittent use of a neck brace and consultation with a physical therapist are often recommended for persistent neck pain. When a nerve is compressed (as may occur with disc disease), a cortisone injection may be helpful.
If symptoms (such as fever or severe pain after an injury) suggest there may be a serious cause, prompt medical evaluation is warranted.
Most people with hiatal hernias do not require treatment. When a hiatal hernia is associated with reflux symptoms, such as heartburn, you should eat smaller, more frequent meals; avoid eating for at least two hours before going to bed; and sit up for at least one hour after eating. If lifestyle changes do not relieve the symptoms, your doctor will suggest antacids or acid blockers. Surgery to repair the hernia may be considered for persistent symptoms or inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) that does not heal with medication.
Warts are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infections. There are many different HPV strains. Most warts develop from non-cancerous HPV infections and never progress from a wart to cancer. However, some HPV strains cause cellular changes that do progress to cancer, often without forming a visible wart. Areas of the body most susceptible to HPV related cancer are the mouth, anus and the cervix in women.
Unfortunately, there are no exercises known to reliably benefit someone with an inguinal hernia. In fact, certain exercises that increase pressure within the abdomen (such as lifting weights or sit-ups) may worsen the condition. Exercises that may be better tolerated include low-impact, low-intensity activities, such as cycling, walking, swimming or yoga.
An inguinal hernia can cause serious complications so rather than rely on exercise, it is important for people with an inguinal hernia to seek specific advice from their doctor regarding activities to favor or avoid and for monitoring.