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What happens if nasal spray goes down your throat? | Optum Perks

Nasal sprays can help with allergies by reducing inflammation and relieving congestion. Over-the-counter (OTC) options include corticosteroids, antihistamines, and decongestant nasal sprays.

In some cases, prescription nasal sprays with higher concentrations of medications may be necessary.

When nasal spray enters the throat, it can cause symptoms like irritation or a bitter taste.

These symptoms are mild and typically resolve on their own. Using proper techniques can reduce the risk of the s
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Headache When Lying Down: Causes, Treatment, Prevention

Read on to learn more about the possible causes of headaches when lying down, treatment, and how to prevent them.

Identifying the underlying cause is important, as it can vary from positional changes to health conditions such as high blood pressure or nasal blockages.

A headache when lying down can result from various causes, including changes in cerebrospinal fluid pressure, nasal congestion, and brain tumors.

Several factors can cause a headache when lying down but not standing.

High blood
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Understanding Sudden Deterioration in Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease usually progresses gradually, but stress, an infection, or issues with medications can contribute to a sudden deterioration in symptoms. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in your brain, primarily affecting movement, causing tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Parkinson’s usually progresses slowly over time, but certain events may cause the disorder to worsen suddenly. You might noti
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Can Dehydration Cause Constipation in Adults or Children?

Dehydration can cause constipation by resulting in dry and hard stools that are difficult to pass. It can also lead to other effects, such as diarrhea and bloating. Dehydration occurs when the body lacks sufficient fluids to function as it should. Several factors, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating, can cause it. Constipation is a condition characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool, typically less than three times per week. Inadequate fiber intake and
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What to know about DMARDs — Types, side effects, and more | Optum Perks

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for managing various conditions, including:

These medications suppress the immune system’s response to regulate inflammation. Healthcare professionals recommend starting DMARD therapy early to relieve joint pain and stiffness, preventing joint damage and deformity.

The use of DMARDs may differ depending on your condition and response to treatment.

DMARDs, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
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Benzodiazepines — What are they and how do they work? | Optum Perks

Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that act as sedatives. They work by binding to specific brain receptors to enhance the calming effects of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to manage the speed at which you receive and process information.

By reducing the speed of information you receive, benzodiazepines prevent you from becoming overwhelmed with information.

While benzodiazepines can provide rapid relief, prolonged use may lead to dependence, and y
Optum Perks •

How long does Zorfan last? What to know | Optum Perks

Medical professionals commonly prescribe Zofran, also known by its generic name ondansetron, to prevent nausea and vomiting due to surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment.

The dosages of Zofran can vary depending on the specific condition it is treating as well as your individual needs. Common adult dosages typically range from 8–16 milligrams, which you may take as a single-dose oral tablet or divide into smaller doses throughout the day.

How long will Zofran’s therapeutic effects last?
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The link between erectile dysfunction and heart disease | Optum Perks

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and heart disease share common risk factors like high blood pressure. This can lead to reduced blood flow and vascular damage that affects both the heart and penis.

Erectile dysfunction and heart disease are interrelated. Heart disease affects erectile function by restricting blood flow to the penis through narrowed or blocked blood vessels. Lifestyle changes and medication help manage heart disease, which shares risk factors with ED. Both ED and heart disease can have
Optum Perks •

How long does Tamiflu take to work? | Optum Perks

Tamiflu, also known by its generic name oseltamivir, is a widely prescribed antiviral medication for treating influenza (the flu). Its effectiveness depends on prompt administration, typically within 48 hours of symptoms, especially for those at greater risk of complications.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) inhibits the influenza virus’s neuraminidase enzyme, limiting viral spread and alleviating symptoms. Pregnant people, young children, older adults, and those with underlying chronic health conditions
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Signs of a tooth infection | Optum Perks

A tooth infection often occurs when bacteria enter the innermost part of a tooth or the surrounding gums. Common signs of a tooth infection include severe toothache and tenderness or swelling in the gums. People may also experience fever.

Not receiving appropriate dental care and having difficulty recognizing signs of infection can lead to serious complications like tooth loss or blood infections.
• persistent and throbbing tooth pain that worsens with pressure or chewing
• swelling in the gums
Healthgrades •

Geographic Atrophy Progression: What to Know

Geographic atrophy may progress to permanent partial vision loss within a few years of developing. However, treatment can help slow vision loss and manage symptoms. Geographic atrophy is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD occurs when the natural aging process causes damage to the macula, the part of the eye that helps produce clear central vision.

AMD and geographic atrophy are progressive, meaning they worsen over time.

Geographic atrophy occurs at an advanced
Healthline •

Anal Cancer Lump or Hemorrhoids? How to Tell Them Apart

Hemorrhoids and anal cancer can share some symptoms, but they have distinct characteristics that can help you tell them apart. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anus or rectum. Symptoms often include: They are typically caused by increased pressure in the rectum. Anal cancer is a rare form of cancer that can develop in the tissues of the anus. Possible symptoms may include: It’s often associated with certain risk factors like an HPV infection, smoking, and a weakened immune system. He
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Can stress cause erectile dysfunction (ED)? | Optum Perks

ED is a common condition that affects many people with a penis, and chronic stress is a contributing factor that can affect sexual performance.

When you’re stressed, your body undergoes a series of physiological responses that can interfere with the erection process.

Chronic stress can add to these physical symptoms by diverting attention away from sexual stimuli and worsening conditions like anxiety and depression.

Stress can have a negative effect on your sexual health by activating the hyp
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What’s the Relationship Between Exercise and Alzheimer’s?

Exercise can’t cure Alzheimer’s, but it can slow its progression and improve your quality of life. And while there’s no definitive way to prevent Alzheimer’s, exercise may reduce your risk. Aerobic exercise can help promote healthy blood flow to the brain and reduce the accumulation of certain proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. By reducing the accumulation of these proteins, regular exercise can help slow down the disease and enhance cognitive function and memory. But people with Alzh
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Can Osteoporosis Kill You? About the Risks and Complications

Osteoporosis weakens bones and raises the risk of fractures. Complications from these fractures can sometimes be fatal. Osteoporosis is a disease involving weakened and brittle bones. While the disease itself is rarely fatal, people with osteoporosis are at a higher risk of bone fractures. These fractures can lead to complications such as pneumonia and blood clots, which can lead to death. It’s important to seek treatment for osteoporosis because early intervention can help prevent bone loss, in
Healthline •

What to Know About Genetic Testing for Alzheimer’s Disease

Genetic tests for Alzheimer’s can detect specific genes linked to the disease. In most cases, they can’t definitively confirm or predict a diagnosis, but they can provide insight into your relative risk. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss and cognitive decline, affecting daily functioning and quality of life. Alzheimer’s results from a complex mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While genetic tests cannot confirm or predict an Alzheimer’
Healthgrades •

Why Am I Not Losing Weight in a Calorie Deficit? What to Know

Many factors other than calorie intake contribute to weight. Reasons you may not be losing weight can include changes in your metabolism and an underlying health condition. Some authorities say that all you need to do to lose weight is to eat fewer calories than your body burns. Though the number of calories you consume can significantly affect weight and body composition, many other factors also play a role.

This article discusses reasons you may not be losing weight in a calorie deficit and w
Healthgrades •

What to Know About Quadrantectomy

A quadrantectomy is a surgery that removes cancerous tissue from a section or quadrant of the breast. It is used with the aim of treating early cancer while leaving the rest of the breast intact. Quadrantectomy is a procedure to remove a specific section, or quadrant, of the breast tissue. Sometimes it’s referred to as a lumpectomy.

It’s a common treatment option for breast cancer, particularly for cancerous tumors that are small and in a specific breast location.

This article explains quadran
Healthgrades •

Macular Degeneration vs. Cataracts: A Guide

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that causes central vision loss due to damage affecting the macula, which sits at the retina’s center. Cataracts occur when the lens in the front of the eye becomes clouded, keeping light from reaching the retina. These conditions affect different eye parts but can both affect your vision. There is currently no cure for macular degeneration, but cataracts are reversible with surgery to replace the eye’s lens.

Read on to learn more about macular degenerat
Healthgrades •

11 Health Benefits of Peppermint Backed by Science

People have long used peppermint for its potential health benefits. According to current research, the health benefits of peppermint may include supporting digestion, freshening breath, and alleviating migraine. Some people have incorporated peppermint, scientifically known as Mentha piperita, into traditional medicinal practices to treat various conditions.

Recent studies support the role of peppermint in many conditions. However, more research is necessary to understand its exact mechanisms a
Healthgrades •

Tubular Carcinoma of the Breast: A Guide

Tubular carcinoma of the breast is a rare subtype of breast cancer that initially develops in a breast duct, a tube that carries breast milk to the nipple. With treatment, the outlook for people with this condition is often favorable. This condition, which is a type of invasive duct carcinoma, is called tubular carcinoma because the cancer cells form distinct, tubelike structures in the breast ducts.

There are several treatment options for tubular carcinoma breast cancer, including surgery, rad
Healthgrades •

How Much Omega-3 per Day? What to Know

For adults, the general recommendation for daily intake is 250–500 milligrams (mg) of EPA and DHA omega-3s. This can come from food or supplements. However, how much omega-3 per day is beneficial can depend on factors such as your health and age. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat. They are essential for brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation. Omega-3s can be found in various food sources, including some seafood, seaweed, and nuts and seeds.

In most cases, pe
Healthgrades •

Congestive Heart Failure Diet: A Guide

A congestive heart failure (CHF) diet may involve limiting sodium, fluids, and sugary or highly processed foods. These steps may help alleviate symptoms linked to CHF, such as fluid retention. CHF is when the heart cannot pump blood effectively enough.

There’s no one diet for CHF. However, adapting your eating habits to your condition may help support your cardiovascular health, alleviate symptoms, and reduce the risks of further complications.

This guide provides comprehensive details on a co
Healthline •

Partial Nephrectomy

For smaller kidney tumors, doctors may recommend a partial nephrectomy. This surgery involves removing only part of your kidney. A robotic approach may reduce your recovery time and risk of complications. A partial nephrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a portion of your kidney while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. It’s also called nephron-sparing surgery. This technique is one of the preferred treatment options for small to medium kidney tumors, renal cell carcinoma, and o
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