Diseases & Conditions Archive

Use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system to treat sleep apnea must be monitored regularly by a doctor. This might require numerous doctor visits initially, and then annual visits afterward to make sure the therapy is still working effectively. The clinician needs to review data collected by the machine, gather information from the patient, and determine if new health conditions, including weight gain or other sleep issues, require adjustments to the CPAP machine settings.

Generalized itching is common and has many potential causes. Examples include skin changes that occur with age; skin conditions; and many other diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease, and liver disease. Relief involves treating underlying conditions; using medications that ease itching; bathing with lukewarm rather than hot water; using soap only on the armpits, genitals, feet, and face; and moisturizing immediately after showering or bathing.

Doctors are rethinking their recommendations about a supplement used to help slow dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). They're advising people to keep taking the pill even when they reach the late stage of the disease. Previously, the supplement—a cocktail of antioxidant nutrients known as the AREDS2 formula—was believed to slow disease progression only in the beginning and intermediate stages of dry AMD. New evidence suggests the supplement might also slow vision loss in late-stage dry AMD.

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.

In October 2024, the CDC lowered the age for healthy adults to receive a pneumococcal vaccine to 50 from 65. It also recommends a second dose of the 2024–25 COVID vaccine for people 65 and older and immunocompromised people six months after their last dose.

Certain strategies can help people avoid flare-ups of diseases that seem to be affected by cold weather. For example, people with psoriasis can ward off dry skin (which causes flare-ups) by taking short, lukewarm showers, using a humidifier at home, and moisturizing with cream-based emollients. People with asthma should try to do outdoor activities during warmer parts of the day, take a puff of a rescue inhaler before going out, and wear a mask when outdoors. And people with arthritis can exercise and try heat therapy.