Thunderstorm asthma can occur when heavy storms uplift pollen or spores, causing them to explode into smaller grains. Climate change is increasing pollen levels, making thunderstorm asthma events more common and severe. Those with allergies, hay fever, or asthma are at risk. Minimize risk by monitoring pollen levels, staying indoors during storms, and using medications….
The FDA has approved Dexcom’s Stelo Glucose Biosensor System, the first over-the-counter continuous glucose monitoring system for adults with or without diabetes who do not use insulin. The system, which consists of a wearable sensor and a smartphone application, continuously measures and displays glucose values every 15 minutes. It is not intended for individuals with…
An 89-year-old man in the U.K. died from complications of a vitamin D overdose, sparking concerns about excessive supplement consumption. David Mitchner from Surrey consumed high levels of vitamin D supplements for nine months, leading to toxicity and organ failure. Experts advise taking the recommended daily amounts of vitamin D based on age to prevent…
New antibodies have been developed to target a specific region of the influenza virus protein that is often overlooked. This region, known as the “dark side,” is crucial for the virus’s ability to infect host cells. By targeting this region, researchers hope to create more effective treatments and vaccines for influenza. The antibodies could potentially…
MedCity News is hosting the MedCity INVEST 2024 conference in Chicago on May 21-22, bringing together healthcare investors, startups, and executives for networking and panel discussions on healthcare investment trends. Speakers include representatives from MedTech Advantage Fund, Quantum Health, J.P. Morgan Chase, Blue Shield of California, Health 2047, and more. The event is a great…
The Health Products Regulatory Authority in Ireland has warned about the growing trend of individuals providing prescription cosmetic treatments without a prescription. A recent RTE documentary showed non-medically licensed beauty industry members administering treatments like Botox, and supplying them wholesale to be sold without proper licensing. The HPRA has taken enforcement actions to disrupt illegal…
Between 20% and 56% of international travelers from high-income countries are at risk for travelers’ diarrhea during trips to tropical or subtropical destinations lasting less than 100 days. Pre-travel medical consultations can help reduce the severity and frequency of the condition. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 cohort studies found a pooled incidence of…
Tech-enabled food delivery company FarmboxRx is launching a Maternal Health Program to provide access to food and nutrition education for at-risk pregnant women. The program will focus on promoting health literacy, newborn and child immunizations, mental healthcare, prenatal and postpartum care, vision compliance, and nutrition. Founder and CEO Ashley Tyrner emphasizes the importance of culturally…
Several states, including California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, have laws protecting hospitals that refuse to provide reproductive healthcare. These laws shield providers, often Catholic hospitals, from liability for not offering services like abortions and sterilizations based on religious beliefs. Some states have laws without exceptions for emergencies or miscarriages. These laws have consequences for patients, limiting…
The initial management for acute pancreatitis should include moderately aggressive fluid resuscitation and close monitoring of vital signs and urine output. A new guideline from the ACG emphasizes that early management is crucial to prevent complications such as organ failure and pancreatic necrosis. Recommendations include using transabdominal ultrasound for evaluation, avoiding prophylactic antibiotics in severe…
The biotech industry is constantly evolving with new developments in medications and treatments. Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic has shown benefits beyond diabetes, while Alnylam Pharmaceuticals’ zilebesiran has shown promise in lowering blood pressure. However, biotech VC funding is shrinking, with fewer deals and less money being raised. Apogee Therapeutics’ antibody treatment has shown positive results, and…
Two amendments have been made to Éabha Lynn’s article (BMJ 2024;384:p2939, doi:10.1136/bmj.p2939) at the request of NHS England and the General Medical Council. Firstly, a sentence regarding GMC accreditation of medical degrees has been replaced with one emphasizing the need for medical schools to provide evidence that their apprenticeship programs meet required learning outcomes. Secondly,…
Skin-whitening practices are popular in Africa and Asia due to the association of fair skin with status and beauty. Despite the risks and scams involved, the market for whitening treatments is growing rapidly. Injections containing whitening agents, such as glutathione, are becoming increasingly popular, despite the significant health risks they pose. Some products are found…
A Maryland firm, Aledade Inc., is facing a whistleblower lawsuit alleging Medicare fraud by using billing software to make patients appear sicker than they were, resulting in millions of dollars in improper revenues. A senior employee filed the lawsuit, claiming he was fired after objecting to the company’s practices. Aledade denies the allegations. The lawsuit…
Negative thoughts are common and normal, but can become harmful if they persist for a long time. Research shows that repetitive negative thinking can lead to mental and physical health issues. Methods to combat negative thinking include cognitive behavioral therapy, acknowledging emotions, identifying and clarifying negative thoughts, evaluating emotions, and coming at thoughts from a…
Dr. Jason Black is a family medicine physician at Gilchrist, a hospice and palliative care organization. He focuses on treating frail elderly patients, often in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. He believes in a family-centered approach to care and emphasizes medication reconciliation and deprescribing. Palliative care, which clarifies treatment goals for seriously ill patients,…
Sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder linked to health issues like diabetes and heart attacks, is now linked to cognitive impairments such as memory problems. A recent study discovered that people with sleep apnea symptoms are 50% more likely to report memory issues. Symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring and breathing pauses during sleep. Researchers…
A doctor in Coimbatore was robbed of Rs 70,000 while out on a walk at Sickle Point. The incident occurred due to the use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement. By continuing to use the site, users agree to the use of cookies. For more information, users can refer to the Cookie Policy…
Healthcare providers are facing an increase in denials and write-offs, impacting financial stability and patient care. Factors such as changing demographics and payer standards contribute to this issue. To combat denials, providers must adhere to regulations, improve documentation, implement claim scrubbing, analyze denial trends, train staff, and collaborate with payers. By enhancing registration processes, accuracy…
Laya Healthcare is opening a new 25,000 sq ft clinic in Swords, Co Dublin, creating 25 new jobs. The clinic will offer urgent care services for minor injuries and illnesses, with a promise to see patients within 60 minutes. The facility will include diagnostic imaging services such as X-ray, MRI, Ultrasound, and Dexa scan. The…
The study presented at the 2021 American Transplant Congress showed a significant decline in adult living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) from 2010 to 2019. Despite an overall increase in kidney and liver transplants, the proportion of patients receiving LDKT decreased over the decade. The decline was observed among Black, White, and Hispanic patients, but there…
Deciding to go to rehab is a significant decision that often comes at a breaking point in someone’s life. The process of checking into rehab involves an assessment, admissions process, medical detoxification, treatment planning, and support from staff and other residents. The environment in a rehab center is designed to be supportive and nurturing, helping…
Hims & Hers Health, a direct-to-consumer virtual care company, reported significant revenue growth in Q4 2023, reaching $246.6 million compared to $167.2 million in Q4 2022. The company also saw a yearly revenue increase of $872.0 million in 2023 compared to $526.9 million in 2022. Hims & Hers reported a net income for Q4 of…
California may provide President Biden with a political victory this year by toughening gun storage requirements. State senators in California passed legislation aligning with a White House priority to prevent gun violence. The Biden administration wants gun owners to secure their firearms most of the time, particularly with children present. Statistics show that firearms are…
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been increasing in the United States. Evidence suggests that taking doxycycline after condomless sex can reduce the risk of STIs, especially among transgender women and men who have sex with men. Studies presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) showed promising results, but questions remain about its…
The first over-the-counter birth control pill, Opill, will soon be available in U.S. stores, allowing women and teens to buy the contraceptive medication without a prescription. Manufacturer Perrigo has started shipping the pill to major retailers and pharmacies, with a monthly supply costing around $20 and a three-month supply about $50. Opill contains a single…
Yaguang Wei and Joel Schwartz from Harvard’s Department of Environmental Health argue that while WHO’s tightened air quality guidelines are beneficial, more action is needed to reduce air pollution. Studies show fine particulate matter (PM) 2.5 is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and meeting the new guidelines could reduce hospital admissions by 23% in…
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine investigated the impact of germline or inherited structural variations on gene expression in human cancers. Published in Cell Reports Medicine, the study found that specific germline structural variations could be potential candidates for cancer genetic testing, especially those involving genes with therapeutic targeting implications. Structural variations are changes in…
Physician-scientists at UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new cellphone app that uses AI to diagnose ear infections accurately in children. The app aims to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use by providing a reliable diagnosis of acute otitis media (AOM). AOM is commonly misdiagnosed, leading to ineffective or excessive antibiotic treatment. The AI…
Kathy N. has dealt with multiple food allergies since childhood, relying on over-the-counter medications for relief. The FDA recently approved a drug called Xolair to reduce the risk of life-threatening allergic reactions, offering hope to the millions affected by food allergies. Studies have shown promising results in providing protection against accidental exposures to various allergens….
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed an app called the Baby Sleep Planner to assess the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and improve the communication of safer sleep advice to families. The app has received positive feedback from professionals and families. SIDS is still a leading cause of infant mortality, particularly…
Bisphenol A (BPA) found in plastic products like water bottles is linked to disruptions in hormonal function, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and now a new study suggests it impacts the gut microbiome and childhood obesity. Researchers in Spain found that exposure to BPA can promote different microbial communities in children…
A study found that providing extended anaerobic coverage in aspiration pneumonia does not result in additional mortality benefit. This means that the use of additional antibiotics targeting anaerobic bacteria does not improve outcomes for patients with this type of pneumonia. The research suggests that current treatment strategies for aspiration pneumonia may be effective without the…
As breast cancer therapy improves survival rates, the impact of long-term treatment complications like lymphedema becomes more significant. Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) can have quality of life and economic implications, with treatment costs ranging from $14,877 to $23,167 over two years. Early detection of BCRL is crucial to prevent progression to chronic lymphedema. Bioimpedance spectroscopy…
Janssen has been collaborating with the University of Galway since 2012, providing Health Economics students with placement opportunities. At an event, students and lecturers met with Janssen’s Market Access and Government Affairs team, engaging in presentations and workshops. Orla Jenkins of HIQA received the Janssen Bursary Medal for academic excellence in health economics. Janssen also…
A study published in Pediatric Cardiology found that infants with elevated left ventricular internal dimensions (LVIDd) prior to ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair are at risk for postoperative left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). Postoperative LVSD is common in these patients but resolves within 9 months of surgery. The study, conducted at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, included…
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head injuries, including concussions. Dr. Sam Bureau of the Concussion Legacy Foundation emphasizes that CTE can be prevented by reducing exposure to brain trauma, especially in youth sports. Research is ongoing to develop diagnostic tests and treatment options for CTE. The longer a career…
California has recently passed a law allowing trained physician assistants to perform first-trimester abortions without a supervising physician present. This move is seen as a way to expand access to abortion care, especially in rural areas where access is limited. The American Medical Association has historically opposed such expansions in scope of practice, but the…
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that starting urate-lowering therapy (ULT) during a gout flare does not impact the severity, duration, or risk of recurrence over the following month. The study included six randomized controlled trials with a total of 455 participants. Results showed no differences in pain scores, time to resolution of the flare,…
The lack of health data on LGBTQ+ people has significant consequences, as evidenced by struggles to receive appropriate care for conditions more prevalent in transgender women. Social and structural stigma contribute to disparities in healthcare access, insurance coverage, risk factors, and mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community. Calls for increased collection of LGBTQ+ health…
A recent survey conducted by the Federation of the Royal Colleges of Physicians found that 55% of consultants have noticed an increase in patients with ill health related to social and economic factors in the past three months. The annual census also revealed that 24% of doctors report that a majority of their workload is…
The NCI-MATCH clinical trial published in Clinical Cancer Research found that the drug combination trastuzumab-pertuzumab, approved for HER2-positive breast cancer, shrank tumors in patients with other cancers with high levels of the HER2 gene. NCI-MATCH is one of the largest precision oncology trials globally, offering potential treatment options for patients with advanced HER2-amplified cancers. While…
A study from Texas A&M University found that only 9% of older Americans were vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) despite the threat of increased hospitalization and deaths from the virus. RSV, along with COVID-19 and influenza, forms a ‘tripledemic’ in the US. The study, published in Health Affairs Scholar, surveyed seniors over 60 and…
Pompe disease is a rare disorder that can often take years to diagnose due to its similarity to other conditions and its rarity. Newborn screenings are making it easier to diagnose babies with the disease, allowing for immediate treatment to start. Symptoms of Pompe disease can show up at any age, from infancy to adulthood,…
A longitudinal study involving 436 patients with chronic GVHD found that patients with sclerotic and combination disease had worse symptoms and quality-of-life impairment compared to those with epidermal disease. The study used two validated patient-reported outcome tools to measure these factors. PROs were also found to predict non-relapse mortality for all three disease subtypes, indicating…
A new study has found a causal connection between air pollution and suicide rates, particularly affecting elderly women. Researchers from India and the U.S. found that China’s efforts to reduce air pollution have prevented 46,000 suicide deaths over five years. The study suggests that environmental factors, such as air pollution, can have a significant impact…
A recent study suggests that antiplatelet therapy, commonly used to prevent blood clots, may reduce the severity and complications of COVID-19. The research indicates that these medications could help lower the risk of severe outcomes in patients with the virus. Antiplatelet therapy works by preventing platelets from sticking together and forming clots, which can be…
Independent primary care physicians and practices are crucial to the American healthcare system, providing personalized care and fostering trust-based relationships with patients. Patients overwhelmingly prefer visiting their primary care physician for routine and preventive care, as they receive higher quality and more personalized treatment. These independent practices also play a vital role in addressing healthcare…
Babies born during pandemic lockdowns had improved gut health and lower rates of allergies, according to Irish research. Public health restrictions during the pandemic positively impacted the gut microbiome of newborns, leading to fewer infections and reduced allergic conditions. The newborns showed higher levels of beneficial microbes, acquired from their mothers, which may protect against…
A study published in Urology analyzed the impact of the shortage of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) on the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer in the United States. Researchers found that the shortage led to a decrease in the proportion of patients receiving BCG induction therapy and completing the full course of treatment. Instead, there was…