Testing children with a suspected sinus infection for three common bacteria might cut unnecessary antibiotic prescribing, a new study suggests. Only half of kids with sinusitis — inflammation or swelling of the sinuses — show any improvement with antibiotics, which target bacterial infections, not viral infections, the researchers note. “When a child comes in with… read on > read on >
Women are more likely to develop endometriosis if they have elevated levels of cadmium in their system, a new study reports. Twice as many women with slightly or moderately elevated levels of the toxic element wound up with endometriosis compared to women with the lowest levels, researchers say. “Although endometriosis is estimated to affect 1… read on > read on >
In yet another example of inequities in U.S. health care, new research indicates that many women and minority men who need statins to protect their heart aren’t getting them. “The recommendation to use statins to treat and prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has been supported by guidelines from major clinical societies for decades,” said study author… read on > read on >
Workers making the most popular type of countertop sold in the United States are at risk for potentially deadly lung disease, a new study finds. The risk owes to the tiny particles of dust produced while cutting, shaping and polishing the synthetic quartz. Inhaling the dust causes the same lung damage, called silicosis, seen for… read on > read on >
More than half of all patients with autoimmune diseases also suffer from depression and anxiety — but most are never asked about their mental health, a new study finds. Surveying more than 1,800 patients, British researchers found more than half rarely or never reported their mental health symptoms to their doctor. This could mean the… read on > read on >
Many women are not being counseled about heart disease after giving birth, a new study finds. Only 60% of at-risk women said they were advised about heart health at their postpartum checkup, researchers say. About 90% of U.S. women have a doctor visit during what is referred to as the “fourth trimester.” “We need to… read on > read on >
Patients who get treatment for multiple sclerosis at the earliest signs of disease may have a lower risk of disability later, new research suggests. Among nearly 600 patients, there were lower odds of disability and progression among people diagnosed and treated within six months of symptoms onset, researchers report in their new study, published recently… read on > read on >
Results from more than 26,000 respiratory tests in late 2022 found simultaneous infections with COVID-19, influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in more than 1% of positive tests. Co-infections were especially widespread in children and teens. In people under age 21, researchers saw a 6% co-infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A. “With changing behaviors… read on > read on >
The 18-year-old son of basketball superstar LeBron James suffered cardiac arrest during a workout Monday at the University of Southern California. Bronny James, an incoming USC freshman, was listed in stable condition Tuesday morning after a brief stay in intensive care, a family spokesperson said in a statement. “Yesterday, while practicing, Bronny James suffered a… read on > read on >
People who have psoriasis may want to get their vitamin D levels checked. New research suggests that blood levels of the so-called “sunshine vitamin” may affect the severity of their condition. In psoriasis, skin cells build up and form dry, itchy, sometimes painful patches. While synthetic vitamin D creams are an emerging therapy, the study… read on > read on >
