Diseases and Conditions

Know how to prevent, treat and control the symptoms of various diseases and medical conditions. We explain what's happening in your body when disease strikes, and what you can do to feel better faster.

Topics to Explore

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Why Diabulimia Is So Dangerous

Many people with Type 1 diabetes are deliberately skipping or manipulating their insulin doses in order to lose weight. But this can have very serious consequences.

By Alia Hoyt Mar 19, 2018 Diseases & Conditions / Diabetes

Quiz: What's the difference between flu and a cold?

With so many germs flying about this time of year it can be tricky to figure out what ails you. Take this quiz to test your cold versus flu IQ!

By Alia Hoyt Diseases & Conditions / Cold & Flu

Can Humans Catch 'Zombie Deer Disease'?

So far there have been no reports of people contracting zombie deer disease, but could it make the jump from animal to human?

By Laurie L. Dove Feb 7, 2018 Diseases & Conditions / Rare Diseases

U.S. Cancer Death Rate Continues Decades-Long Drop

Good news, for a change: The cancer death rate in America has declined 26 percent since 1991. Here's why.

By Alia Hoyt Jan 23, 2018 Cancer / General Cancer Facts

The Sarco Suicide Pod: Controversial or Compassionate?

It's kind of like the suicide booth on 'Futurama,' and its inventor says the Sarco should be available in 2018.

By Robert Lamb Jan 3, 2018 Diseases & Conditions / Death & Dying

Telling Doctors Not to Resuscitate, by Tattoo

Would you communicate your end-of-life wishes by tattoo? And would they be respected?

By Robert Lamb Dec 6, 2017 Diseases & Conditions / Death & Dying

First Migraine-specific Drugs Show Promise in Studies

The first drugs specifically targeted to prevent migraines could be available as soon as 2018.

By Alia Hoyt Dec 5, 2017 Diseases & Conditions / Headache

Heart Stents Fail to Alleviate Chest Pain, New Study Finds

A groundbreaking study upends conventional wisdom on heart stents for treating stable angina.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Nov 7, 2017 Cardiovascular Conditions / Coronary Heart Disease

Adult-onset Food Allergies Are More Prevalent Than Previously Believed

Nearly half of all U.S. adults who have food allergies developed at least one of them during adulthood.

By Jesslyn Shields Nov 3, 2017 Food Allergies / Food Allergy Information

Colonoscopies Should Start at 45, Not 50, According to European Study

Although we're told to start getting screened for colorectal cancer at 50, new research suggests we should start earlier.

By Jesslyn Shields Nov 2, 2017 Cancer / Colon Cancer

Skipping Breakfast Associated With Hardened Arteries, Say Heart Specialists

Skipping breakfast might seem innocuous, but a new study finds it associated with atherosclerosis and a wider waistline.

By Jesslyn Shields Oct 5, 2017 Cardiovascular Conditions / Heart

Why Kids Wheeze Even When They Don't Have Asthma

And the good news is that researchers have identified the protein that may be causing the problem.

By Kate Kershner Oct 4, 2017 Diseases & Conditions / Respiratory Conditions

Slow Walkers May Be at Greater Risk of Heart-related Death, Study Shows

A U.K. study that lasted years and involved thousands of people suggests a link between slow walking and cardiovascular mortality.

By Shelley Danzy Sep 28, 2017 Cardiovascular Conditions / Heart

Turns Out Type 2 Diabetes Is Reversible, After All

British scientists call for more awareness that diabetes can go into remission through weight loss.

By Alia Hoyt Sep 26, 2017 Diseases & Conditions / Diabetes

Smartphone App May Help Detect Pancreatic Cancer Early

A new smartphone app may help detect pancreatic cancer and other diseases tied to jaundice.

By Sarah Gleim Aug 31, 2017 Cancer / General Cancer Facts

More Than a Third of U.S. Adults Take Prescription Opioids, Millions Misuse Them

A national survey finds that one-third of Americans used prescription opioid painkillers in 2015, and millions were taking them without prescriptions. What's the reason for this huge number?

By Jesslyn Shields Aug 3, 2017 Pain Management / Pain Medications

To Fight Disease, Should We Treat and Educate Popular People First?

We often lack the resources to treat and educate everyone when combating disease. Moving the 'hubs' of a social network to the front of the line may be most effective.

By Jesslyn Shields Aug 1, 2017 Diseases & Conditions / Infectious Diseases

Cows Have HIV-fighting Power

And that unique ability may propel us closer to an HIV vaccine for humans.

By Kate Kershner Jul 28, 2017 Diseases & Conditions / Infectious Diseases

How the Framingham Heart Study Works

Born in 1948, and still going strong, the Framingham Heart Study has told us just about everything we know about how people get heart disease and strokes. But not without some controversies along the way.

By Alia Hoyt Cardiovascular Conditions / Coronary Heart Disease

Removing This Invasive Shrub's Flowers Could Help Combat Malaria

Mosquitoes spread deadly malaria, and trimming one specific shrub could make significant headway in battling the disease.

By Laurie L. Dove Jul 10, 2017 Diseases & Conditions / Infectious Diseases

Research Identifies New Genetic Clues for Testicular Cancer Risk

A new study shows that by testing for multiple genetic factors, it's possible to identify those who have a higher-than-normal risk of developing testicular cancer, a disease that often strikes young men.

By Patrick J. Kiger Jun 20, 2017 Cancer / General Cancer Facts

'Can I Eat This?' App Saves You from Montezuma's Revenge

The CDC has an app to help you make wise food choices while traveling.

By Alia Hoyt Jun 5, 2017 Digestive Health / Other Digestive Problems

Your Hay Fever Could Make You Allergic to Some Fruits

It's called oral allergy syndrome, and it's caused when the immune system freaks out and overreacts to allergens.

By Shelley Danzy May 31, 2017 Food Allergies / Food Allergy Information

'If You Need Anything, Let Me Know': What Not to Say to a Friend With Cancer

We often feel unsure about what to say to a friend with a serious illness, so we fall back on clichés. Here are some better ways to help .

By Alia Hoyt Apr 19, 2017 Cancer / General Cancer Facts

Will There Ever Be a More Comfortable Way to Get a Mammogram?

Many women dread the squishing of their chest during their annual checkup. Is there another way to get the same results in a more breast-friendly way?

By Alia Hoyt Apr 10, 2017 Cancer / Breast Cancer