Medically reviewed by Susan Russell, MDAsthma is a chronic (long-term) condition that affects how well air flows in and out of your lungs. People who have asthma have inflamed and narrowed airways that can make breathing more difficult during a flare. Mild asthmatics may not have significant airway changes unless a trigger is present.When asthma symptoms flare up, you may experience shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), or chest pressure and tightness. If you experience shortness of breath, getting more exercise can seem stressful. In the past, researchers believed it was best for people with...

Astaxanthin is a natural red-orange pigment found in certain types of algae and fish such as salmon, trout, krill, and shrimp. It is part of a chemical class of red-orange pigments called carotenoids, which act as antioxidants to protect cells from the damaging free radicals that can accelerate aging and lead to disease.Astaxanthin is available to take as a nutritional supplement. Studies have shown it may help prevent diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, brain disorders, and other health conditions. It also offers skin-protective and anti-inflammatory effects.Benefits of AstaxanthinFrom improving the appearance of skin to preventing various diseases, astaxanthin can support overall health...

Medically reviewed by Aviv Joshua, MSOkra water is a vegetable-infused drink made by soaking fuzzy green okra pods in water overnight. Proponents of the beverage believe it offers many health benefits, including improved blood sugar management, weight loss efforts, and digestion.Okra, scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus but more commonly called Lady's finger, is typically grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Historically, people have used okra as a food, appetite booster, astringent (a tightening agent often used in skincare), and more. You can consume immature okra pods as a vegetable or use the extract as a thickening agent for various recipes,...

Medically reviewed by Kate Colby, MPHEnvironmental racism is a form of systemic racism that occurs when Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income communities face a disproportionate risk of exposure to environmental pollutants. Exposure to toxic chemicals like those found in ash, fumes, and contaminated water often leads to adverse health problems, such as a higher risk of developing cancer, diabetes, and asthma.A General Accounting Office study reported that 75% of hazardous waste sites are often placed in regions where low-income communities of color live. That's because policies and practices in the United States have often favored...

Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MDCholecystitis is the inflammation and irritation of your gallbladder—the pear-shaped, digestive organ that sits beneath the liver, on the right side of your abdomen. This condition is often a complication of gallstones and occurs when bile (digestive fluid) can’t exit the gallbladder into the intestines properly. The buildup of bile can cause inflammation and lead to symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating.This condition is often chronic (long-term) and often develops slowly. However, acute (short-term) cholecystitis symptoms can happen rapidly, which may be signs of a medical emergency. That said, it’s important to recognize the...

Three women were diagnosed with HIV after getting “vampire facials” at an unlicensed New Mexico spa, the CDC reported last week.The HIV infections are believed to be the first documented cases of the virus spread through cosmetic injections.Vampire facial is a term used for plasma-rich platelet (PRP) microneedling procedures, which entail using a patient’s own blood to rejuvenate the skin. Three women diagnosed with HIV after receiving “vampire facials” are believed to be the first documented cases of the virus spread through cosmetic injections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported last week.The women received the vampire facials at an...

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer Taking berberine and curcumin together might help reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), new research suggests.For the new study, people with IBS who took a supplement containing both berberine and curcumin reported less abdominal discomfort, bloating, and diarrhea.Though the results are promising, more research is needed on berberine, curcumin, and the supplements' effects on IBS symptoms. New research suggests that taking berberine and curcumin together might help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, a common condition that affects the digestive system.The study, published in Nutrients, found that people with IBS who took a...

Medically reviewed by Soma Mandal, MDGenes are the inherited material you get from both your parents that are made from strands of molecules called DNA. Long stretches of DNA are packed with other materials, like proteins, to make 46 chromosomes. Genes contain the information, or "code", needed so your body can make the many proteins it needs to function. A genetic mutation is an alteration in the genetic code found in DNA.A mutation changes the specific instructions of the gene, coded through small components of DNA. Because a genetic mutation changes the genetic coding, the resulting protein might not work...

Medically reviewed by Brian Bezack, DOMesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the tissues that line the mesothelium, the protective membrane that covers the lungs, chest walls, heart, and abdomen. Most cases of this cancer occur due to asbestos exposure—a mineral found in several construction and industrial materials and household products. Though any contact with asbestos increases the risk of this cancer, mesothelioma is a rare type.The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the severity and the part of the body affected. Unfortunately, most people with mesothelioma receive their diagnosis in later stages, which can make treatment challenging. Still, there are many...

Medically reviewed by Soma Mandal, MDUpper back pain—or, discomfort that can occur anywhere from the base of your neck to the bottom of your rib cage—can disrupt everything from your ability to perform daily activities to getting a good night’s sleep.Your upper back (thoracic spine) contains 12 vertebrae (spinal bones) and intervertebral discs that separate and cushion the vertebrae, nerves, and connective tissues like ligaments and tendons. As an attachment point for many muscles, your upper back supports your body’s mobility and flexibility and protects the spinal cord and internal organs like your heart and lungs.Injuries from accidents, repetitive motions,...

Medically reviewed by Aleesha Grier, PsyDAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that causes neurodiversity (differences in brain patterns). People with ASD may experience some difficulty with social interactions, communication skills, and behaviors. Everyone experiences autism a bit differently, so symptoms can vary from person to person.Research estimates that about one in 36 children and over five million adults in the United States have ASD—though the cause of the condition is not fully known. Globally, estimates show that 1% of people around the world have autism, which is equivalent to more than 75 million people. Autism Is a...

Medically reviewed by Susan Russell, MDAsthma is a chronic condition that affects the lungs' airways, which are tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. Asthma causes narrowing and inflammation of the airways, leading to breathing problems. About one in 13 people in the United States has asthma—though they don't all have the same type of asthma.There are many types of asthma. The types often have similar symptoms, but the triggers, age of onset, severity, and treatment may differ. Knowing the type—or types—of asthma affecting you can help you avoid triggers and manage your symptoms.The type of asthma...

Medically reviewed by Barbie Cervoni, RDStevia is a sugar alternative that comes from a plant called Stevia rebaudiana that produces sweet steviol glycosides. As a natural plant source, stevia is neither an artificial sweetener nor a sugar. It's also free from calories, making it a popular choice for people looking to reduce their sugar intake. Stevia can be helpful for people trying to reduce added sugars or people with diabetes who want a sweetener that won’t spike blood glucose levels. However, there are some potential risks to consuming too much stevia.May Help Manage DiabetesStevia may be helpful for people with diabetes...

Medically reviewed by Brian Bezack, DOAdult-onset asthma is a type of asthma that develops for the first time in adulthood, typically 20 years of age and above. It's slightly more common in people assigned female at birth (9.8%) than in people assigned male at birth (6.1%). Like other types of asthma, adult-onset asthma is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of lung airways.The exact cause of adult-onset asthma is unclear. However, several factors may play a role in its development including exposure to allergens, hormonal changes, obesity, stress, and other health conditions.People with symptoms of adult-onset asthma may consider visiting their...

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer There are many reasons people cry at the gym, and it is a common occurrence, experts said.People might cry during a workout due to stress or trauma, or on the other hand, due to feelings of accomplishment or happiness.Though there's nothing "wrong" with crying at the gym, it's important to make sure you're mentally focused each time you use exercise equipment, experts advised. Anyone who has recently listened to Taylor Swift’s latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, might be relieved to know that even she gets emotional during workouts: In one of Swift’s new songs,...

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer New research shows a link between hypertension medication and a lower risk of uterine fibroids.More specifically, women who take medication to control high blood pressure may have a smaller chance of developing uterine fibroids, compared to those who don't.Further research is needed, but experts say blood pressure control may provide new avenues for fibroid prevention. A new study suggests a link between hypertension medication and a reduced risk of developing uterine fibroids.The findings, published April 16 in JAMA Network Open, show that women with untreated high blood pressure had a 19% higher risk of a...