Otitis Media

Though its name may suggest otherwise, ringworm is not a worm, but a kind of contagious fungal infection called Tinea . Instead, ringworm gets its name from the characteristic round or ringlike red or discolored scaly patches it creates on your skin. Often, the centers of ringworm lesions grow less red or discolored over time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , ringworm is very common. It's especially common in warmer climates. While anyone can potentially contract ringworm, people with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable to infection. Most often, ringworm affects your: scalp face legs trunk arms Ringworm can also affect your armpit. The symptoms of ringworm in your armpit are the same as ringworm on other parts of your body. There will be round, red or discolored lesions with scaly edges. Over time, the center of these lesions tend to become less red or discolored. A ringworm infection usually feels itchy and uncomfortable. The fungus ca

It's a tongue twister of a term, but an important one: Gardnerella vaginalis is the scientific name for a species of bacteria that lives inside your body, working alongside trillions of other microorganisms to keep your vaginal flora (that's code for the bacteria that typically live in and around your genitals) balanced and to ward off infection. But Gardnerella can sometimes go rogue and start multiplying too fast, contributing to a common reproductive health condition called bacterial vaginosis (BV). More Top Articles on Gardnerella Vaginalis Gardnerella Vaginalis Frequently Asked Questions How does a woman get gardnerella? Gardnerella vaginalis is a type of bacteria that naturally exists in the vagina. When all systems are operating successfully, the bacteria play an important role in maintaining a healthy pH balance that protects the body from infections. But in some cases, Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria begin to multiply rapidly, leading to an imbalance of bacteria in the

If you've got allergies, you're at high risk of developing tinnitus—a condition commonly called "ringing in the ears." The pitch of this ringing can be high or low, or loud or soft. You might also hear a totally different sound, such as clicking, buzzing, roaring, or even hissing. Learn more about allergy-related tinnitus and how to treat these symptoms in this article. Verywell / Michela Buttignol Tinnitus Statistics Tinnitus is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States, affecting over 45 million people. It frequently occurs between the ages of 60 and 69. Risk Factors for Allergy-Induced Tinnitus Allergies develop when your body overreacts to a foreign substance in your environment, such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and mold. Your immune system views these allergens as a threat to your health and begins to fight them off. This is what causes your allergy symptoms. Common allergy symptoms inc

For parents, few things are more upsetting than a toddler with an ear infection. Not only are they extra cranky, but it can be hard to figure out exactly what is bothering them, especially before they start really speaking. Unfortunately, toddlers are sick all the time (my 2.5-year-old, for example, has been congested for the last four months), and since their endless energy can make it easy to miss things, figuring out how to tell if your toddler has an ear infection can be a little tricky. According to the National Institute of Health, ear infections in toddlers are par for the course: they estimate that five out of six children will experience an ear infection before their third birthday. Ear infections are easy to treat and will sometimes even go away on their own, but that still doesn't mean you want to ignore them. They can be really painful and uncomfortable, and getting some type of treatment for your child can be beneficial for everyone. Look out for the signs that your to

Though its name may suggest otherwise, ringworm is not a worm, but a kind of contagious fungal infection called Tinea . Instead, ringworm gets its name from the characteristic round or ringlike red or discolored scaly patches it creates on your skin. Often, the centers of ringworm lesions grow less red or discolored over time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , ringworm is very common. It's especially common in warmer climates. While anyone can potentially contract ringworm, people with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable to infection. Most often, ringworm affects your: scalp face legs trunk arms Ringworm can also affect your armpit. The symptoms of ringworm in your armpit are the same as ringworm on other parts of your body. There will be round, red or discolored lesions with scaly edges. Over time, the center of these lesions tend to become less red or discolored. A ringworm infection usually feels itchy and uncomfortable. The fungus ca

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) manifests as a debilitating set of symptoms that impact 1 to 3 percent of the adult population. To date, the most recognized effective interventions for OCD are a combination of psychotherapy and psychiatric interventions. However, half of the population who suffer from OCD symptoms do not respond to these interventions (Endres et al., 2022). In an effort to understand and improve treatment options, Enders et al. (2022) explored specific pathogenic mechanisms that could mediate treatment resistance to OCD. In this review paper, the authors analyzed the body of evidence for a link between OCD and immune activation. Previous studies have indicated that obsessive-compulsive symptoms could be associated with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal (PANDAS). Source: nzphotonz from getty by CANVA Pro Following infection, the body sometimes mistakenly directs an immune response to attack healt

Throat pain is a common symptom of a cold or the flu. When throat pain occurs with ear pain, the cause might include allergies, postnasal drip, or tonsillitis. Here is an overview of the causes of throat and ear pain, as well as what you can do to relieve your symptoms. If you have throat pain that lasts more than two weeks or if you have a history of significant alcohol or tobacco use or exposure, your pain may be a sign of throat cancer. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to talk about your symptoms and risk factors. Dima Berlin/Getty Mononucleosis Mononucleosis is an infection that is especially common in teens and young adults. It is often called the "kissing disease" because it is easily spread through saliva. Mononucleosis is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The symptoms of mono can include extreme fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, as well as throat and ear pain. Treatment Mono can

An ear infection—also called otitis media —is an infection in the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum. Acute otitis media is an ear infection that comes on quickly. An ear infection usually results from viruses, bacteria, a combination of viruses and bacteria, or allergies. Ear infections are not contagious, but the colds, sore throats, and respiratory infections that often precede them are. Most ear infections are easy to treat, but if symptoms become severe or are accompanied by a fever, you may need medical attention. Ear infections are most common in children, with more than 80% of kids having one by the time they're 3 years old. But they can also occur in adults. This article will discuss the causes of ear infections, whether ear infections are contagious, symptoms, and treatment. aquaArts studio / Getty Images Causes Ear infections are generally caused by infections with viruses and bacteria. Some viru

The ear is a complex organ consisting of the outer, middle, and inner ear. The inner ear is the deepest part of the ear, resting in the temporal bone. It is responsible for hearing, balance, and equilibrium. A range of conditions may affect the inner ear, leading to hearing loss and balance problems. Experts estimate that in the United States, as many as 35% of adults aged 40 years or older have had problems with the vestibular system. The vestibular system comprises the inner ear and the part of the brain that processes the sensory information involved in controlling balance and eye movements. Keep reading to learn more about the anatomy of the inner ear, as well as about several health conditions that may affect this essential sensory organ. The inner ear, or labyrinth, is the deepest part of the ear. It is located at the end of the ear canals, resting in a cavity in the temporal bone. The inner ear consists of three parts : Cochlea: This small flexible, coiled structure, which is a