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2025 Allergy Season: How to Reduce Symptoms

With spring just starting, tens of millions of Americans with allergies are bracing for the return of sneezing, congestion, itching, and watery eyes as pollen fills the air.

This year, the spread of pollen is expected to be more intense and longer lasting than in the past, starting earlier in the spring and ending later in the fall.

“Unfortunately, every year pollen counts seem to be getting worse, and that’s largely related to global warming,” says Payel Gupta, MD, an allergist with Tono Health in Brooklyn, New York, and a medical spokesperson for the American Lung Association.

Warmer seasonal air temperatures and more carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere spur plant growth. This in turn leads to more pollen, a powdery substance created by certain plants as part of their reproduction process.

The Winter Allergy Break Is Getting Shorter

Pollen seasons come in three distinct waves:

  • Tree pollen, generally lasting from February through April
  • Grass pollen, from April through early July
  • Weed pollen, from August to the first hard frost

“Because spring allergies can start as early as February, and weed pollen allergies can last as late as November, we’re really not having much respite from allergies,” says Dr. Gupta.

“Some people can definitely be ‘poly-sensitized’ or allergic to many different environmental allergens, so they may now only get a small break from allergies in the winter, and that break is getting shorter and shorter,” Gupta adds.

Allergy Predictions for 2025

In its allergy forecast for 2025 released last week, Accuweather notes that tree pollen is on the rise in southern U.S. states, but a cold start to the year in the eastern part of the country may keep tree pollen levels low in that region until later in the spring.

The worst tree pollen is anticipated in part of the Gulf Coast, across the central Plains, and into the northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest.

“Every region in the country is going to have its own unique, challenging pollen, but there are plants everywhere, and those pollens can travel hundreds of miles, so there’s really no safe place to be when it comes to seasonal allergies,” says Christopher Codispoti, MD, an associate professor of allergy and immunology at UTHealth Houston in Texas.

Worst Cities for People With Allergies

Every year, the Allergy & Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) lists the U.S. cities that are hardest hit with seasonal allergies. Its top 10 allergy capitals for 2025 are:

  1. Wichita, Kansas
  2. New Orleans, Louisiana
  3. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  4. Tulsa, Oklahoma
  5. Memphis, Tennessee
  6. Little Rock, Arkansas
  7. Raleigh, North Carolina
  8. Richmond, Virginia
  9. Greenville, South Carolina
  10. Greensboro, North Carolina

How to Tell Allergies From a Cold

One of the difficulties with a seasonal allergy is how to tell it apart from a common cold because many of the symptoms overlap. Per Mayo Clinic, both can cause:

  • Runny nose
  • Congestion
  • Fatigue
  • Sneezing

“Sneezing will occur with cold and flu, but with allergies you have more of a nasal itch, and the sneezing is often more frequent and intense,” says Dr. Codispoti.

He adds that itchy, puffy eyes are common with allergies but rare with a cold.

Mayo Clinic further notes that allergies rarely cause a sore throat, cough, or fever, while those can be signs of a cold, flu, or other respiratory virus.

Tips to Help Manage Allergy Symptoms

No matter what effects you feel from allergies, many options are available to keep symptoms at bay:

Start your allergy medications as soon as possible. Antihistamines and nasal sprays, whether they’re prescription or over-the-counter, need time to build up in your system, so it’s best to start taking them two to four weeks before allergy season begins.

Discuss medication options with a healthcare provider. Many medication choices are available to treat allergy symptoms, but it can take expertise to find the right match for you. If antihistamines aren’t helping, an allergist may advise trying a nasal spray, for example.

“I find that a big part of my job is making sure that people understand how to use medications appropriately,” says Gupta. “If you’re trying different medications on your own and they’re not working, it might be time to see an allergist.”

Keep windows closed, if possible. Pollen can come through an open window and get into bedding and furniture, worsening symptoms. If you have to open windows at times, an air purifier or air conditioner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter can reduce airborne allergens.

Consider wearing a mask outdoors. If the pollen count is very high, a mask can help block allergens. Gupta says masking can be especially helpful when mowing the lawn or doing other yard work.

Take off shoes and wash clothes. Pollen can enter a home on shoes and clothes. After being outside, leave shoes at the door, and change and wash garments after outdoor activities.

Be cautious with pet contact. Dogs and cats that spend time outdoors can get pollen on their fur, so close contact may worsen symptoms. Bathe your pet regularly and wipe them off when they come inside to limit pollen exposure. Also, keep pets out of the bedroom.

Take a shower at night and wash your face. Before going to sleep, shower to remove pollen from your body so you’re not tracking it to your bed where you could be inhaling it all night. “Pollen can sit on your eyebrows, eyelashes, and in the nose, so rinsing off your face is super important,” says Gupta.

Consider a nasal rinse. Rinsing nasal passageways with a saline solution can flush out allergens and relieve sneezing, runny nose, and congestion.

Check pollen counts. Organizations such as the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology’s National Allergy Bureau provide allergen reports detailing types of pollen and counts for different parts of the country.

Pollen reports can help you plan what precautions you need to take.
Stay inside during the mornings and when windy. Pollen counts are usually worse at these times, so it’s best to limit outdoor activities. Pollen counts are usually better after a rain storm.

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Nutrition, Benefits, Side Effects, More

Beef tallow has uses that expand beyond the kitchen. It can be used as part of a healthy skin-care regimen.

Beef Tallow Can Help Moisturize Skin

“Besides the greasy feel of beef tallow, there likely is little downside to using it on the skin. That being said, there certainly are more elegant and well-formulated moisturizers to get the job done,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

But beef tallow does contain the same types of fats that are found naturally in our outer skin layer, he acknowledges.

“By applying it to the skin, it provides emollient benefits to help soften rough cells on the skin’s surface and offer hydration benefits. So beef tallow could be a good option for people who are looking for completely natural solutions for their skin,” says Dr. Zeichner.

This might sound a little “out there,” but fats have long been used in skin care for their hydrating and emollient benefits, he says.

“It also may provide anti-aging benefits by repairing the skin barrier,” says Zeichner.

Beef tallow may be found as an ingredient in traditionally formulated moisturizers, or it can be used in its pure form directly from the supermarket.

Beef Tallow Won’t Help Treat Acne

Some people consider beef tallow to be a natural treatment for acne breakouts, says Zeichner.

“However, given the high levels of oleic acid in beef tallow, I don’t recommend that people use it for acne — oleic acid is a fatty acid known to block the pores. In general, people should stick to benzoyl peroxide as an acne treatment,” he says.

Beef tallow may be found as an ingredient in traditionally formulated moisturizers, or it can be used in its pure form directly from the supermarket.

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Could Ozempic and Other GLP-1 Drugs Treat Alcohol Use Disorder?

Popular weight loss drugs, like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and liraglutide (Victoza), have transformed the way doctors treat diabetes and obesity . Now research suggests these meds — part of a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) — may one day be a promising treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) . “The GLP-1 system seems to play a role in how and why some people develop problematic alcohol use and AUD,” says Lorenzo Leggio, MD, PhD , a physician-scientist with the National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism in Baltimore. This system involves GLP-1 receptors, which are found in parts of the brain associated with addiction and reward.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293bfa429b-5724-4364-b2cd-7104edb1c1ea AUD is a medical condition characterized by the inability to stop drinking alcohol, even if it causes health, job-related, or social problems. It affects nearly 29 million people in the United States ages 12 or older.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297acb7aaa-c1e0-44af-bb1a-dcda9ef1b813 To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only three medications to treat AUD: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294d86158c-df97-4cc7-a3f1-d4c33b9c3f42 While GLP-1 drugs could offer a welcome treatment option for people who struggle with alcohol addiction, the research is still in an early stage. Here’s what you need to know.
What Does Research Show About GLP-1 Drugs and Alcohol Use Disorder? What Research Shows Research on GLP-1 drugs for AUD and other substance use issues has gained momentum in recent years. “This is a time of cautious optimism in the field,” says Joseph P. Schacht, PhD , an associate professor of psychiatry and substance dependence at the University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. “Several small clinical trials have found that GLP-1 RAs, compared to placebo, reduced alcohol use,” he adds. Some of the most compelling research: In a study published in JAMA Psychiatry in February 2025 that included 48 patients with AUD, researchers found low-dose weekly injections of semaglutide significantly reduced alcohol cravings and nicotine use compared with placebo.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a8ab3bad-deff-4e4d-bb0e-f619e6033e31 A report, published in the journal JCI Insight in May 2023, showed semaglutide reduced alcohol consumption and binge-like drinking in rodents. The effects were dose-dependent, meaning higher doses of semaglutide led to greater reductions in alcohol intake.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292fefeb44-973c-4c5d-a6ba-2f26c4dbfe14 In a large Swedish study published in JAMA Psychiatry in November 2024, scientists found that people who were taking the GLP-1 drugs semaglutide or liraglutide were less likely to be hospitalized for AUD.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762925a53335-1e90-4165-b907-b8603da65e20 Early research has suggested that GLP-1s may also reduce cravings for other addictive substances, like cocaine.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629fe5fdb03-8721-47ae-b9f3-a04797b132f8 While these and other studies are encouraging, they’re still considered preliminary,” says Dr. Schacht. “Specific measures like safety, effectiveness, and dosing for AUD still need to be tested and confirmed. Ultimately, we need more data from larger clinical trials of these medications. Fortunately, multiple academic and industry trials should have results in the next one to two years.”
How Might GLP-1 Drugs Work for AUD? How They Work When it comes to weight loss, GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking a natural hormone in your body that controls appetite and blood sugar. This slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, so you feel fuller longer and aren’t hungry as often.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cf552d5b-b10f-4545-ae1d-da3d3caf3f3b Researchers don’t yet understand exactly how GLP-1 drugs work for AUD, according to Dr. Leggio. “Scientific evidence suggests that these mechanisms may be at least partially overlapping with those regulating food craving and food seeking,” he says. Schacht says there are several possible ways that GLP-1 drugs could affect alcohol cravings, including: GLP-1s might perceive alcohol as a caloric substance and affect it the same way it targets all calories you consume. But, Schacht notes, this wouldn’t explain why these drugs have an effect on non-caloric substances, like nicotine and cocaine. The medicines can cause unwanted gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which might make someone less interested in drinking. As mentioned, GLP-1s may affect areas of the brain that underlie reward and motivated behavior. These areas are rich in dopamine, which helps control cravings for alcohol and drugs. But it’s unclear if medicines like semaglutide are able to access this part of the brain, notes Schacht. Further research is needed to help identify the exact link between GLP-1 drugs and reduced alcohol cravings.
Should I Ask My Doctor About GLP-1 Drugs for AUD? Should I Ask My Doctor? More research is still needed to determine if GLP-1 drugs are a safe and effective treatment for AUD. Until then, you might want to hold off on asking your doctor about GLP-1 drugs for AUD. “It’s too soon. Patients with AUD should discuss evidence-based treatments with their doctors,” says Leggio, who authored a commentary on this topic, published in the journal Nature in November 2023.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629651740d2-eed1-4bf9-868f-dcc949c6dbe4 If you’ve tried multiple other treatments with little to no success, it’s possible that your provider could prescribe a GLP-1 drug for AUD “off-label,” Schacht says. This means your doctor may recommend a medicine for a condition it hasn’t been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat. “I am sympathetic to anyone who wishes to try a GLP-1 RA for AUD. Unfortunately, these medications are currently quite expensive, and insurance will not cover their use for AUD,” Schacht says. He adds that enrolling in a clinical trial could be another way to access these drugs for AUD.
What Are the Treatment Options for AUD? Treatments for AUD As mentioned, the three FDA-approved medications for AUD are:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e3443b44-707a-485f-8c82-1e5c382095bb naltrexone (Vivitrol, Revia) acamprosate (Campral) disulfiram (Antabuse) Other treatment options for AUD include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629e3443b44-707a-485f-8c82-1e5c382095bb Behavioral treatments: Behavioral interventions, like talk therapy or alcohol counseling led by a licensed therapist, are intended to help change drinking behaviors. Mutual-support groups: Mutual-support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) , are group meetings of peers who can provide each other with support for limiting or stopping drinking. They’re often low- or no-cost and are available in many communities in-person and online. The treatment that works best may vary from person to person. Some people may do well with brief interventions, for example, while others may need more intense behavioral treatments, medication, or both, says Leggio.
The Takeaway AUD affects more than 28 million Americans, yet there are only three FDA-approved medications to treat the disorder. GLP-1 drugs, which are currently FDA-approved to treat diabetes and obesity, may be a promising therapy for AUD in the future. More research needs to be done before doctors can safely prescribe GLP-1s for AUD. Until then, people with AUD should be prescribed standard, proven treatments.
Resources We Trust Mayo Clinic: Alcohol Use Disorder: Diagnosis & TreatmentCleveland Clinic: GLP-1 AgonistsNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Understanding Alcohol Use DisorderAmerican Psychiatric Association: Alcohol Use DisorderMedlinePlus: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

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What Happens at the First Appointment With a Rheumatologist?

Physical Examination

A physical exam is part of every first visit. Whether you keep your clothes on or change into a gown depends on your symptoms and the doctor, says Wolfe.

“Many rheumatologists will have every new patient get in a gown, because even if you think the problem is in your joints, it doesn’t mean that it’s not in other places. For example, we may find a rash, and so we want to check things out all over,” she says.

Sometimes it’s very clear what the issues are, and there’s no need to change into a gown, says Wolfe. If you think that’s the case, just make sure you’re dressed appropriately.

“If you’re coming in for your knees, this isn’t the time to wear skinny jeans. In general, it’s a good idea to wear stretchy clothes that aren’t too tight,” she says.

The physical exam usually includes the following:

  • Examining your joints.
  • Observing your movements, such as how you walk, bend, and grasp objects.
  • Looking for a rash or nodules (bumps) on your skin.
  • Listening to your chest for signs of inflammation in the lungs.

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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) vs. Schizophrenia: How They Differ

As mentioned, BPD and schizophrenia have several overlapping symptoms, including:

  • Difficulty maintaining close relationships
  • Feelings of paranoia
  • Episodes of psychosis

“Borderline personality disorder can consist of extreme emotional distress that appears like paranoia, which is very similar to the paranoia of schizophrenia,” says Ciara Bogdanovic, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Los Angeles.

But as mentioned, BPD and schizophrenia have distinct differences, says Dr. De Gannes. The core symptoms of BPD center on emotional disturbance, while schizophrenia symptoms come from the disturbance of reality and thought, adds Bogdanovic.

“BPD often involves intense emotions, while schizophrenia can lead to pulling away from others,” Frank adds. “Emotional ups and downs and cognitive challenges are typical in both, though they stem from different causes.”

Although both conditions can lead to fractured relationships, the “why” varies by condition. In schizophrenia, confusion and hallucinations cause the most issues in relationships, says De Gannes. But in BPD, it’s the frequent switch between affection and anger, he adds.

Psychosis in BPD usually arises from extreme stress and is less common and severe than in schizophrenia, notes De Gannes.

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Head and Neck Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Head and neck cancers affect the tissues of the mouth, throat, sinuses, and surrounding areas. They can impact crucial functions like breathing, swallowing, and talking. There are several types of head and neck cancer, with nuanced symptoms. Noticing these symptoms and reporting them to your healthcare provider early can improve your treatment outcomes.
Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms A wide variety of less-serious conditions can mimic head and neck cancer symptoms. A sore throat that doesn’t improve is the most common symptom of head and neck cancers, and should be taken seriously.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d4fd63c1-9ba3-4caa-b87e-1bfa491b1e4c Other head and neck cancer symptoms may include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629bf968713-e58d-4293-b1b4-96c19c1f5855 A lump in the neck, jaw, or mouth Swelling under the chin or jawbone Sores or red or white patches in the mouth or the throat that won’t heal Difficulty or pain when swallowing Pain in the upper teeth or problems with dentures Pain in the face, neck, or chin that does not go away Unexpected paralysis of the face muscles An unexplained change in the voice or hoarseness Ear pain or hearing loss Frequent headaches Other less-common symptoms of head or neck cancer can include frequent earaches and a chronic sinus infection that doesn’t respond to antibiotics. Issues with the mouth, including unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth or tongue could be signs of head or neck cancer.
Types of Head and Neck Cancer Types Head and neck cancers are categorized according to where the disease originates in the head and neck region. Most begin in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293d22120e-5503-4b09-ba31-5f1def600325 Types of head and neck cancer include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762928a52827-0bbd-4922-9129-682c654a18d9 Oral Cancer Oral cancer develops in the mouth and may affect the lips, tongue, cheek, and the floor or roof of the mouth. It’s one of the most common types of head and neck cancer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297a900af0-bf44-4ba9-83f4-431a7f22ccb6 Oropharyngeal Cancer This type of cancer occurs in the oropharynx , or the middle section of the throat. It may include the base of the tongue, tonsils, and back of the throat. Nasopharyngeal Cancer This rare type of cancer occurs in the nasopharynx , behind the nose and back of the throat. It’s often diagnosed in later stages. Hypopharyngeal Cancer This cancer forms in the hypopharynx, the lower part of the throat surrounding the larynx (voice box). Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Cancer These uncommon cancers occur in the nasal cavity or sinuses. Salivary Gland Cancer This rare cancer occurs in the salivary glands , including those near the mouth and jaw. It has multiple subtypes. Tonsil Cancer This is a subtype of oropharyngeal cancer that affects the tonsils and is often linked to HPV infection or tobacco use. The National Cancer Institute notes that cancer in other nearby areas, including the brain, the eye, the esophagus, the thyroid gland, and the skin of the head and neck are not usually classified as head and neck cancers.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a175301d-ae5f-430e-9f5e-b46e0ccfe29f
When to See a Doctor Doctor’s Visits Detecting cancer early often leads to more successful treatment outcomes, so you don’t want to ignore any sign of a potential head and neck cancer. Although symptoms of head and neck cancer could be caused by many other things, if you have any of them, especially a chronic sore throat or a new lump in the head or neck, it’s important to ask your doctor about the possibility of cancer. You should also talk to your dentist about any issues with your mouth besides your teeth, including pain, swelling, or unexplained bleeding, that could be signs of cancer or other problems.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f0086d15-c5b4-4259-b4ae-2b022337069c Your doctor is likely to examine the head and neck area to feel for abnormalities and may use mirrors and lights inside the mouth and throat to explore areas that are harder to see. Blood or urine tests may also be performed. If your doctor or dentist thinks there is a possibility of head or neck cancer, you may be referred to a specialist like an otolaryngologist for a more comprehensive examination.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293c317ca6-14fd-42b8-8974-099928e96cb2 Some common tools for helping diagnose head and neck cancer include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629ed49f5c9-0101-48f7-bcca-8727de91966a Endoscopy This thin lighted tube with a camera at the tip can help a doctor explore areas of the head and neck, including the sinuses, that are harder to reach. Diagnostic Imaging A radiologist can take images of your throat that may include CT scans, PET scans, MRIs, or an X-ray called a Panorex (panoramic radiograph) that shows the upper and lower jaw and the sinuses. Biopsy A surgeon may remove a small amount of tissue from an area where cancer is suspected. A pathologist examines the sample and consults with team members to make a diagnosis. If there is a diagnosis of cancer, your doctor will consult with you to determine the best options for treating the cancer, based on its location and how far it has progressed.
The Takeaway Head and neck cancer is a group of cancers that develop in the tissues of the head and neck, including the mouth, throat, sinuses, and salivary glands. Early detection of head and neck cancer is crucial for better outcomes, and symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for those of other conditions. Common signs include persistent lumps, sores that don’t heal, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, and unexplained pain. If you notice these signs and symptoms, especially sore throat or a new lump in the head or neck, talk to your doctor immediately.
Resources We Trust Mayo Clinic: What is mouth cancer? A Mayo Clinic expert explains Cancer Care: Coping With Oral and Head and Neck CancerHead and Neck Cancer Alliance: Oral, Head & Neck Self-Exam GuideSupport for People With Oral and Head and Neck Cancer: Find a Local Chapter Near YouMemorial Sloan Kettering: Resources for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

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Gout and Diabetes

Diabetes and gout have a bidirectional relationship, which means that each condition influences the other.

“The two conditions have a common upstream risk factor, which is obesity,” says Stephen P. Juraschek, MD, PhD, a gout researcher and an associate professor of medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. “We know that a higher BMI and obesity is associated with diabetes and is strongly associated with gout.”

Additionally, metabolic syndrome is also common with these two conditions.

 Metabolic syndrome is a group of warning signs, including high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, and unhealthy cholesterol levels, that collectively indicate a higher risk for life-threatening illnesses.
According to gout researcher Youssef M. Roman, PharmD, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacy practice and administrative sciences at Idaho State University in Pocatello, gout may also be related to insulin resistance.

Higher amounts of insulin in your blood caused by insulin resistance is called hyperinsulinemia.

“Hyperinsulinemia, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, can have major effects on the expression of multiple genes responsible for uric acid disposition,” says Dr. Roman.

Despite the obvious overlap, the relationship between gout and diabetes isn’t completely understood. Roman says it can be difficult to tell exactly which one leads to or causes the other. One study suggested diabetes could be associated with increased serum urate levels.

Another study found that developing diabetes at a younger age was associated with early gout development.

To confuse things further, other research suggests that diabetes may protect against gout.

“Studies that have looked at diabetes duration over time have shown that gout risk trends downward a little bit and the mechanisms for this are not entirely clear,” says Dr. Juraschek.

Juraschek says there is bidirectionality between the two because of metabolic syndrome, “but I’m not sure I would say that uric acid is explicitly causing diabetes or diabetes is acting directly on gout.”

If you do have both conditions, talk to your doctor about harmonizing your treatments so you can treat each condition without making the other worse.

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Schizophrenia Diagnosis

Schizophrenia is a chronic, disabling psychiatric condition that causes symptoms like hallucinations and delusions . Early diagnosis and treatment are very important for managing symptoms before major complications arise and for a better long-term prognosis.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295eb633e7-d211-471a-bf1a-b80617f6b549 But diagnosing schizophrenia can be challenging for several reasons. No single test can diagnose schizophrenia. Instead, it’s diagnosed by evaluating a person’s symptoms over several months and ruling out other possible health conditions. Use of certain drugs like methamphetamine or LSD can cause symptoms resembling schizophrenia. Schizophrenia also can have similar symptoms to other psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder . This can result in misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment in some cases.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f7ca9447-bafa-4259-a876-077f03bb52a4e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b9bf1bb8-62c8-41dd-b711-7a8221bc1935 Diagnosing and treating schizophrenia is further complicated by the fact that many with schizophrenia aren’t aware they have it. This symptom, called anosognosia or “lack of insight,” can make helping people with the condition more difficult.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f7ca9447-bafa-4259-a876-077f03bb52a4 Factors like these can lead to delays in proper diagnosis and treatment , which can cause worsened symptoms, physical health problems, or early death. But a timely and correct diagnosis significantly boosts a person’s odds of managing their symptoms and recovering.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f7ca9447-bafa-4259-a876-077f03bb52a4e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b9bf1bb8-62c8-41dd-b711-7a8221bc1935
How Is Schizophrenia Diagnosed? How Is Schizophrenia Diagnosed? Schizophrenia is usually diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist .e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293d5ecbef-4cc8-4982-aba5-d60f10cb89b3 The condition usually follows a progression. Schizophrenia often starts with a prodrome, or early, mild symptoms indicating the onset of the condition, such as changes in behavior including cognitive difficulties, social withdrawal, paranoid or suspicious thoughts, or sleep disturbances. A diagnosis is usually made once the condition progresses to first-episode psychosis , a symptom of schizophrenia that involves hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) and delusions (steadfast false beliefs that are clearly untrue to everyone around them).e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d445d8e8-a31e-48b2-84d6-4e3c2815ebb2 Getting a correct schizophrenia diagnosis typically involves the following steps: e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293d5ecbef-4cc8-4982-aba5-d60f10cb89b3 Mental Health Evaluation Your healthcare provider will perform a mental health evaluation to assess your symptoms. They do this by asking you or your loved ones questions about your health, observing your behavior, and noting your reported symptoms. Some of their questions will be aimed at ruling out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. They will then compare this information to established criteria for a schizophrenia diagnosis.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629816d494a-8ca4-470e-9b7b-7637164846b1 The criteria are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) , which is a guide used by professionals to diagnose mental health conditions. The criteria needed to be diagnosed with schizophrenia are:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629816d494a-8ca4-470e-9b7b-7637164846b1e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290abc5cf6-3efa-46c9-bc42-fe2f3afefead You have at least two of the five main symptoms of schizophrenia. You’ve had symptoms for one month or more. Your symptoms affect your ability to work or maintain relationships. The five main symptoms of schizophrenia are:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290abc5cf6-3efa-46c9-bc42-fe2f3afefead Delusions Strongly held false beliefs that are clearly untrue, such as believing that someone is controlling your thoughts. Hallucinations Seeing, smelling, hearing, feeling, or tasting things that don’t actually exist. This can include hearing voices, for example. Disorganized or Incoherent Speech Having problems organizing your thoughts when you speak, making it difficult for others to understand what you are saying. Disorganized or Unusual Movements You move in ways that are unusual to others, such as moving excessively for no apparent reason or not moving much at all. Negative Symptoms Negative symptoms refer to the absence of expected ways of interacting with your surroundings. Examples include having little facial expression or speaking without any emotion in your voice.
Physical Evaluation A physical exam for schizophrenia includes assessing your general appearance, such as hygiene and grooming. This gives your doctor a picture of your self-care habits. It also includes obtaining a set of vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, to screen for any underlying health problems.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762911bb6ca9-c841-48bf-801c-85108010c54c Your doctor may also take your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) as part of your physical examination.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762940bea471-4578-42d7-a8db-de6e7a72e104 Lab Tests and Screenings Your mental health provider may also order laboratory or imaging tests to help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. These tests may include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293d01d83f-1731-429a-8661-0b9c4d32d35d Drug and Alcohol Screening This helps confirm or rule out the use of alcohol or drugs like LSD or methamphetamines, which can cause schizophrenia-like symptoms.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293d01d83f-1731-429a-8661-0b9c4d32d35de60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629eb709ad6-c848-4352-9c35-2a2cf2a348a6 Blood Tests Blood tests help assess your kidney function, liver function, electrolyte levels, and other clinical data.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762940bea471-4578-42d7-a8db-de6e7a72e104 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computerized Tomography (CT) These imaging scans are used to gather detailed images of the brain.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293d01d83f-1731-429a-8661-0b9c4d32d35d
Other Conditions That Can Resemble Schizophrenia Other Conditions That Can Resemble Schizophrenia As mentioned, healthcare providers need to rule out other conditions that can cause symptoms resembling schizophrenia. These include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291f015427-528e-4bf8-99e8-41b9bd5a000f Schizoaffective Disorder Schizoaffective disorder is a psychiatric condition that shares some symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations, but also involves mood symptoms, such as mania or depression.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976294eb47a2b-2608-482d-bacb-3dd8d30c131a Bipolar Disorder With Psychotic Features Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder involving alternating manic, hypomanic, or depressive mood episodes (periods of intense emotional states). Like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder can also involve episodes of psychosis.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629fa9733a0-942a-4193-a525-582b8b911a49 Major Depressive Disorder With Psychotic Features Major depressive disorder (aka depression ) is a mood disorder involving persistent depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, and other symptoms. In some cases, major depressive disorder can involve episodes of psychosis . Delusional Disorder Delusional disorder is a psychiatric condition that involves delusions, but doesn’t involve other typical symptoms of schizophrenia like hallucinations or disorganized speech. Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorder Substance-induced psychotic disorder is a form of psychosis caused by starting or stopping drug or alcohol use, especially during periods of intoxication or withdrawal.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629dc359585-93ad-4448-a585-523959f59d76 As mentioned, using drugs such as methamphetamines or LSD can cause symptoms similar to schizophrenia. Methamphetamine use can cause hallucinations and paranoia.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d5e11c17-d22e-4390-8f8f-cf66d3528bab LSD can cause hallucinations and a disconnect from reality.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976293a6fc928-a9e5-4c26-ae30-bf9380d90db0
The Takeaway Diagnosing schizophrenia can be challenging, as its symptoms can resemble those of other mental health conditions, and many with schizophrenia aren’t aware they have it. Delays in diagnosis can lead to worsened symptoms, physical health issues, or early death, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve prognosis. A physical exam, mental health exam, lab tests, and sometimes imaging tests are needed to get an accurate diagnosis.
Resources We Trust Cleveland Clinic: Schizophrenia Mayo Clinic: Schizophrenia: Diagnosis and Treatment American Psychiatric Association: What Is Schizophrenia? National Alliance on Mental Illness: Schizophrenia Johns Hopkins Medicine: Schizophrenia

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9 Celebrities Who Have Autism

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and chairman of X (formerly known as Twitter), revealed during a guest appearance on Saturday Night Live in 2021 that he has Asperger’s syndrome.

“I won’t make a lot of eye contact with the cast tonight. But don’t worry, I’m pretty good at running ‘human’ in emulation mode,” he joked.

Musk was likely referring to two common symptoms of ASD: lack of eye contact with others, as well as “autism masking” (per research, the term refers to behaviors that people with ASD use to try to mirror the mannerisms of neurotypical people and hide certain aspects of their condition).

In an interview aired at TED2022, Musk talked in more detail about the symptoms he’s experienced.

“Well, I think everyone’s experience is going to be somewhat different,” Musk said during the interview. “But I guess for me, the social cues were not intuitive. So I was just very bookish, and I didn’t understand. … I guess others could sort of, intuitively understand … what was meant by something. I would just tend to take things very literally, like, the words, as spoken, were exactly what they meant.”

In hindsight, Musk added, he thinks having Asperger’s syndrome may have helped him in his career. “I think there’s maybe some value also from a technology standpoint, because I found it rewarding to spend all night programming computers just by myself,” said Musk. “And I think most people, most people don’t enjoy typing strange symbols into a computer by themselves all night.”

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Why Is My Poop Black? 4 Possible Causes

Stool color is primarily determined by the amount of bile, or digestive fluid, it contains. Bile starts out as a yellow-green but tends to turn brown as it’s broken down by the enzymes in your digestive tract.

Diet, medications, and health conditions can turn stool tan, red, yellow, black, and green.

Here are a few potential reasons your stool may be black.

1. You Eat a Lot of Dark-Colored Foods

Dark foods can turn your poop nearly black, especially if you’ve eaten them in great quantities (much more than typical serving size). Common culprits include black licorice, blueberries, beets, and blood sausage.

The natural compounds that give these foods their dark color can stain your stool, Dr. Johnson explains. Blueberries, for example, contain pigmented antioxidants called anthocyanins, which can give poop a darker brown shade.

2. You’re Taking a Supplement, Like Iron

Black poop is a potential side effect of certain dietary supplements, particularly iron supplements, says Janese Laster, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist, internist, obesity medicine specialist, and nutritionist in private practice in Washington, DC.

If iron is the culprit, your stool will likely be a greenish or grayish shade of black.

Dr. Laster says this is a normal side effect caused by the way iron pills are broken down in the gut.
Supplements that contain activated charcoal — which are sometimes touted as a remedy for gas and bloating — can also darken your poop.

 Activated charcoal is a black powder, and just like dark-colored foods, its midnight hue can stain your poop black.

3. You’re Taking Anti-Diarrheals

Black stool is a common side effect of over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicines, which are used to treat digestive issues like heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea, and nausea.

The offender is bismuth subsalicylate, the active ingredient in many anti-diarrheal medications.

“Bismuth subsalicylate can react with naturally occurring substances in your gastrointestinal tract and result in black or dark poop,” Johnson explains. You might notice your tongue appears darker, too.
These are typical side effects that disappear after you stop taking the medication.

4. You Have a Gastrointestinal Bleed

In more serious cases, black stool can signal bleeding in the digestive tract. Doctors refer to this kind of black poop as melena, Johnson says, and it can signal bleeding in the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine caused by ulcers (open sores in the lining of the gut), cancer, or a tear in the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Johnson explains that melena is black instead of red because the blood has passed through the colon, where bacteria break down its hemoglobin (the protein that lends blood its scarlet hue). For this reason, it also usually has a tar-like texture.

Some people are more prone to this kind of internal bleeding, including those who take blood-thinning medications like warfarin or use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium, Laster says. Blood thinners make it harder for your blood to clot, so a small tear or sore in the intestines that would normally heal just fine could lead to worrisome bleeding, Laster says. NSAIDs, on the other hand, can damage the inner lining of the GI tract, leading to ulcers in this lining that cause bleeding.

People who had gastrointestinal surgery or have mechanical heart valves (often used to replace diseased or damaged heart valves) are also at greater risk of melena, as are those with the following conditions:

Melena requires immediate medical attention.

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