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.
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How False Positives Work (and What They Could Mean for Your Health)
Depending on the test and other factors, a false positive reading for cancer could be as high as 50 percent. What causes false positives, and what does it mean for the patient?
Turducken of Horror: Cancer in a Tapeworm in a Human
The parasite-host relationship just got a lot more complicated.
What the Heck is Tech Neck? How Millennials Could Be the Wrinkliest Generation
Are turkey necks the next man bun? Turns out smartphone use can increase the wrinkle factor for saggy skin known as "tech neck."
Is it possible to be allergic to water?
The human body requires water to thrive, so how could one possibly be allergic to H2O? Consider the strange case of one teen who broke out in hives after swimming.
Is it possible to be allergic to your own blood?
With blood pumping through your body every second of the day, it seems unthinkable that this life-giving substance could be an allergen. For some people, it's not weird science — it's reality.
Is it possible to make yourself allergic to something?
Allergy symptoms like itchy, watery eyes aren't any fun to deal with. Could you be causing your own pain with certain patterns of behavior?
10 Superstitions About Death
Death is a fact of life. Since the beginning of time humanity has come up with numerous superstitions to come to terms with the dearly departed.
Can a splinter kill you?
How can something so small be such a giant pain? Tweezers can undo most splinter damage but not all: That tiny interloper might be teeming with bacteria.
Can an ulcer kill you?
Living with ulcers often means passing up your favorite spicy foods. But it gets worse — ulcers can form inside your body and on your skin, leading to potentially fatal conditions.
How do diseases jump from infecting animals to infecting humans?
There's such a thing as getting too close to nature. Many diseases that infect animals can make the jump to humans, sometimes with deadly consequences.
Why are highly contagious diseases kept in labs?
It might seem counterintuitive for labs to stock highly contagious diseases, but some researchers insist it's with good reason.
Can you really get a bone infection?
Although it's uncommon, bones can get infected — and it can be pretty serious stuff.
Is the plane that transports Ebola patients completely safe?
Ebola patients transported out of Africa don't fly on regular commercial or private planes; they fly on jets modified and operated according to strict protocol.
Does Ebola affect people who are Rh-negative?
Some people believe being Rh-negative type makes them immune to viruses like Ebola. Let's get to the bottom of this theory.
Is American wheat the cause of gluten sensitivity?
Is the American wheat industry to blame for the gluten-free craze? Don't believe the hype, gluten might not be the problem you think it is.
5 Diseases That Don’t Spread the Way We Used to Think
The cause of bubonic plague was a mystery until the 1890s, but that's not the only disease we've been confused about over the years. Which other illnesses have we gotten wrong?
Can I get cancer from WiFi?
We're surrounded by WiFi these days. What types of radio waves are being emitted, and should we be concerned?
Why do stomach bugs make you throw up?
Nobody likes to vomit. But it's one of the body's amazing functions that could prevent you from becoming even sicker.
Will we ever cure cancer?
An estimated 1.6 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2015 — just in the United States. How long until chemo isn't a fact of life for people we know?
Could washing dishes by hand lead to fewer allergies?
Sometimes life-threatening, sometimes just inconvenient, allergies won't ever win a popularity contest. While we can't eliminate them, we may be able to reduce them through a simple household trick: hand-washing the dishes!
Do underwire bras give you cancer?
Another day, another forwarded email. Today it appears your underwire bras can give you cancer. Read this article before burning your bras, ladies!
Can you get arthritis from cracking your knuckles?
Mom always said, "Don't crack your knuckles! You'll get arthritis!" It's time to separate fact from fiction once and for all, and find out if Mom was right.
Are stomach ulcers caused by stress?
"This job is giving me an ulcer!" No doubt we've all uttered those words in moments of frustration. But can a tough day at work or nonstop stress really cause an ulcer?
Does sugar 'feed' cancer cells?
Cutting out sugar from your diet may have many health benefits. But can removing the sweet stuff help get rid of cancer, too? We separate fact from fiction.
What does it mean when you’re vomiting bile?
Throwing up bile is a less-than-pleasurable experience, to put it lightly. Sometimes it feels like it may never end. Find out why it happens, what your body is trying to tell you and when you should be concerned.
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