Using Cortisone Shots for Inflammation

Cortisone shotsare commonly used to treat joint-related problems likearthritis,tendonitis, andbursitis. Cortisone shots can provide long-term pain relief by decreasing inflammation in joint spaces and connective tissues. Cortisone shots are generally safe, and side effects are rare. Verywell / Joshua Seong Verywell / Joshua Seong How Do Cortisone Shots Work? Your body contains two small glands calledadrenal glandsthat produce a hormone known ascortisol. It is classified as a corticosteroid, meaning a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 531 words · Lisa Harris

Using CPAP When You Mouth Breathe

It is fairly common for people with obstructive sleep apnea to breathe through their mouths. Learn whether this is possible and discover what accommodations might allow you to use CPAP without difficulty. This decreases evaporation that can contribute to dry mouth. nicolesy / E+ / Getty Images It also strengthens the muscles of the upper airway, including those that line the throat. If you have difficulty breathing through your nose, the default option is to breathe through your mouth....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 519 words · Eric Morgan

Using Eye Drops With Contact Lenses

Certain eye drops can be used withcontact lenses, including rewetting drops that make the eyes feel more comfortable. However, some eye drops shouldnotbe used with contact lenses and may end up causing eye irritation and redness. It also explains when to remove your contacts and call your eye doctor when problems arise. YakobchukOlena/Vetta/Getty Images Types of Eye Drops That Can Be Used With Contacts Eye drops are not a one-size-fits-all solution....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 339 words · Nancy Jones

Using Hydrocortisone Cream for a Rash

you’ve got the option to use hydrocortisone cream for rashes and other mild inflammatory skin conditions. As a topicalcorticosteroid, it works by easing the swelling,itching, and redness caused bydermatitis. The cream is available over the counter in different strengths, such as 0.5% and 1.0%. Anupong Thongchan / EyeEm / Getty Images It is also available by prescription, at a strength of 2.5%. Hydrocortisone is also an ingredient used in several antibacterial or antifungal preparations, such as inathlete’s footcreams....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 459 words · Gary Galvan

Using Ibuprofen to Treat Headaches and Migraines

This familiar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, orNSAID, is effective for some headaches. Ibuprofen is available over the counter (OTC) as well as by prescription. As an OTC product, it’s sold under the brand names Advil and Motrin. Verywell / Cindy Chung It’s also available in generic and store-brand forms, which often are less expensive. NSAIDs Ibuprofen is among the medications most often used for migraine pain. According to the American Migraine Foundation, NSAIDs are often nearly as effective as prescription medications for pain relief....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 273 words · Devin Boyer

Using Metronidazole to Treat Bacterial Vaginosis

84% of women with BV do not have symptoms. Whensymptomsare present, the most common is a strong fishy vaginal odor and an increase in vaginal discharge. Metronidazole(such as the brandFlagyl)is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial vaginosis. PixelsEffect / Getty Images PixelsEffect / Getty Images Metronidazole for Bacterial Vaginosis Metronidazole is considered the first line oftreatment for BV. This means its one of the preferredantibioticsused to treat BV. Metronidazole is the generic version....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 497 words · Matthew Anthony

Using My Eczema Experience to Help Others

Growing up, I didnt go to the doctor. If something was wrong, you dealt with it silently. Ostracized Due to My Skin I grew up in a small town in Michigan. Photo courtesy of Psyche Terry / Designed by Julie Bang / Verywell My skin was always something that separated me from others. I didnt mind being the darkest skin tone in the classroom. Psyche Terry They would itch, and I would scratch until my skin bled....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 432 words · Paul Caldwell

Using Naproxen for Chronic Pain Management

It is available for over-the-counter purchase, however, stronger prescription formulations are also available for more severe pain. Naproxen reduces hormones that cause inflammation and chronic pain. The exact way it works is not completely understood. AndreyCherkasov / Getty Images However, researchers believe it plays a role in inhibiting a substance calledprostaglandin, which is associated with pain. Side Effects Like most painkillers, naproxen may cause certain side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about using it properly and safely....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 136 words · Angela Quinn

Using Nasal Air Filters to Help Allergic Rhinitis

For some people with allergies to airborne particles, nasal filters can help prevent allergy symptoms. What Is a Nasal Allergy Filter? It also doesn’t cause significant side effects. Adam Crowley / Blend Images / Getty Images These devices are available over the counter (OTC) and are generally disposable. There are several brands, and they each have instructions for use on the box. Treatments for allergic rhinitis often include medications andallergen immunotherapy....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 204 words · Christine Flores

Using Salt as a Food Preservative

Salt has been used as a food safety aid since ancient times. All living things need water and cannot grow without itincluding bacteria that can causefood poisoning. It’s also important to know that bacteria are not the only thing that can make you sick. Poppy Barach / Getty Images Molds can also be a source of foodborne illness and are able survive higher salt levels than bacteria. How Salty Is Salty?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 332 words · James White

Using the CPAP Cleaners Soclean or Lumin

Further research, though, is needed to support these claims. BasicCPAP cleaning instructionsinclude the following: This cleaning standard can be hard to maintain. Therefore, some people never clean their equipment. Andrey Popov / Getty Images Infection Risks CPAP has been around for more than 35 years. Millions of people use the therapy nightly. The risk ofcontracting an infection from CPAP equipmentseems relatively small. However, there are very few research studies into the relationship between unsanitary equipment and infection....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 385 words · Jennifer Key

Using the Flector Diclofenac Patch for Knee Pain

Many patients like to use skin patches for osteoarthritis knee pain. It has been available in Switzerland since 1993 and is approved in over three dozen countries. It is primarily recommended for and used by patients who cannot tolerate oral diclofenac. Sasha_Suzi / Getty Images One Flector patch should be applied twice daily (every twelve hours). They recommend using them prior to trying oral NSAIDs. Who Should Not Use the Flector Patch The Flector patch is not an appropriate treatment for everyone....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 212 words · Kelly Cruz

USPSTF Recommends Starting Colorectal Cancer Screenings at Age 45

Are You Average Risk? Being at average risk for colorectal cancer means that you do not have certain risk factors. Talk to your doctor about the screening guidelines that are best for you. Microne/Getty Early detection also improves a person’s odds of surviving colorectal cancer. About 90% of cases are beatable. Karen Winkfield, MD, P.h.D. At-home stool tests are a convenient, non-invasive way to screen for colorectal cancer in people at average risk....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 123 words · Scott Hernandez