“Kissing bug” is the common name for a species of bug called triatomines. The bugs get their common name because they tend to leave bite marks on the face. The main risk associated with kissing bugs is the presence of a parasite in their feces, which can cause Chagas disease in the people it infects. […]
Allergy
Causes and treatment of a split lip
A split lip refers to an open cut or sore in the lip. Lip skin is delicate and prone to cracking in cold, dry weather, which can easily lead to a split lip. A split lip can be annoying and painful, and it may bleed or sting. Most cases of a split lip are due […]
What causes pain under the left armpit?
Pain under the left armpit can be concerning, and many people associate any pain on the left side of their body with a heart attack. However, most of the time, pain under the left armpit has a less serious cause. The armpit is a complex meeting point for muscles and connective tissues, lymph nodes, and […]
What to know about nut allergies
Nut allergies are among the most common food allergies, and they include reactions to almonds, walnuts, and pecans. An allergy to peanuts, however, is not technically a nut allergy. Many of the 1.2% of people in the United States who are allergic to peanuts may mistakenly believe that they have a nut allergy, but peanuts […]
New injection halts peanut allergy for at least 2 weeks
The results of a new study suggest that a single injection of an antibody called etokimab may halt peanut allergy for at least 2 weeks. Share on PinterestThe results of a new trial offer hope for fighting off peanut allergy. Of the 15 participants with severe peanut allergy who took part in the small trial, […]
9 in 10 people who think they are allergic to penicillin may not be
While 10% of people in the United States report being allergic to penicillin, 9 in 10 are not. However, this can be difficult to scratch from medical records. Share on PinterestNew research suggests that many adults who used to be allergic to penicillin in their childhood may have outgrown the allergy. So concludes one of […]
Allergies and dizziness: What’s the link?
An allergy is the immune system’s reaction to a foreign substance, or allergen, in the body. Typical symptoms of seasonal and environmental allergies include a runny nose, sneezing, sinus congestion, and itchy eyes. A less common symptom of allergies is vertigo, which is a severe form of dizziness. A person may experience this symptom during […]
Diabetes: Why some anti-inflammatories may increase risk
Doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs long or short term to treat a range of conditions from allergies to arthritis. But could some of these drugs actually increase the risk for another chronic condition — diabetes? Share on PinterestRegular doses of glucocorticoids may increase the risk of diabetes, some researchers argue. Glucocorticoids are a type of anti-inflammatory […]
Everything you need to know about shock
The word shock can describe several different situations. Medical shock happens when the body’s cells do not get enough oxygen-rich blood. It is not a disease but a result of an illness or injury. A person may also feel shocked when they experience something unexpected. This shock is psychological and usually does not cause any […]
What is an epinephrine injection?
Epinephrine, also called adrenaline, is a hormone that the adrenal glands produce in the body. People use artificial epinephrine as a medication to treat severe allergic reactions. People who have allergies to specific foods, insect venom, or other substances often carry an epinephrine auto-injector to self-administer the drug in emergencies. Many people refer to this […]