Health

If your girlfriend has HPV, do you automatically have it?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) represents one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections worldwide, affecting approximately 80% of sexually active individuals at some point in their lives. When your partner receives an HPV diagnosis, concerns about transmission inevitably arise, leading to…

Can advair cause anxiety as a side effect?

Advair, a widely prescribed combination inhaler containing fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate, has emerged as a cornerstone treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While clinical trials during drug development did not identify anxiety as a common side…

Does abreva work on HSV-2?

Herpes simplex virus infections affect millions of people worldwide, with HSV-1 and HSV-2 representing two distinct yet related viral strains. While Abreva (docosanol 10% cream) has gained widespread recognition as an over-the-counter treatment for cold sores caused by HSV-1, many…

Yellow balls in stool: possible explanations

Discovering unusual formations in your stool can be concerning, particularly when you notice yellow balls or spherical masses that seem distinctly different from normal bowel movements. These yellow spherical formations in faecal matter represent a complex symptom that can arise…

What to expect during an adenosine cardiac stress test

Adenosine cardiac stress testing represents a cornerstone diagnostic tool in modern cardiology, offering physicians critical insights into coronary blood flow when traditional exercise testing proves unsuitable. This pharmacological approach simulates the cardiovascular demands of physical exertion through controlled vasodilation, enabling…

High T4 with normal TSH: what it means

When thyroid function tests reveal elevated T4 levels alongside normal TSH concentrations, it creates a diagnostic puzzle that challenges conventional understanding of thyroid physiology. This seemingly contradictory pattern occurs in approximately 1-2% of all thyroid function assessments, yet it remains…

Indentation after a cortisone injection: why it happens

Corticosteroid injections represent a cornerstone treatment for numerous dermatological and rheumatological conditions, from alopecia areata to keloid scars. However, one of the most concerning complications that can arise from these therapeutic interventions is the development of localised tissue indentations, medically…

When during the day is blood pressure at its lowest?

Blood pressure follows a predictable circadian rhythm that influences cardiovascular health throughout the 24-hour cycle. Understanding when blood pressure reaches its lowest point during the day provides crucial insights for optimal healthcare management and medication timing strategies. Most individuals experience…

Apicoectomy: is pain after one week normal?

Experiencing persistent pain following an apicoectomy procedure can understandably cause concern among patients seeking clarity about their recovery progress. This specialised endodontic surgery, whilst highly effective in preserving natural teeth, involves complex healing processes that vary significantly between individuals. Understanding…

When to worry about a spinal hemangioma

Spinal hemangiomas represent one of the most commonly encountered benign vascular tumours affecting the vertebral column, yet their clinical significance remains widely misunderstood. These blood vessel proliferations occur in approximately 10-12% of the adult population, making them the most frequent…