An Overview of Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine

Pfizer and the German immunotherapy company BioNTech began working together on the COVID-19 vaccine in March 2020. The two companies began investigatingmRNAvaccines together in 2018 to fightinfluenza. When Was Pfizer’s Vaccine Officially Approved? Getty Images How It Works The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is an mRNA vaccine, similar to the one developed byModerna. An mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccine uses a single-stranded molecule that complements a strand of your DNA. This triggers an immune response....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 626 words · Austin Harrington

An Overview of Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast

Phyllodes tumors are fast-growing, but usually benign. In rare cases, adolescent girls may be diagnosed with this key in of breast tumor. They are very rare in men. PORNCHAI SODA / Getty Images Also Known As Phyllodes tumors are also called cystosarcoma phyllodes and phylloides tumors. Symptoms Phyllodes tumors usually present themselves as firm, smooth-sided breast lumps. If you notice one during aself-breast exam, you should have it checked out as soon as possible....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 242 words · Kathryn Mccarty

An Overview of Physical Therapy

Physical therapists are trained to assess your condition and help you regain maximal functional mobility and independence. Do You Need Physical Therapy? How do you know if you require the skilled services of a physical therapist? Rowan Jordan/Getty Images Many PTs specialize in treating a certain population, like children, the elderly, or athletes. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider if you feel you may benefit from this treatment....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 376 words · Francisco Spears

An Overview of Polycythemia Vera

Having too many red blood cells is the most prominent clinical sign of polycythemia vera. spanteldotru / Getty Images Who Gets Polycythemia Vera? Polycythemia vera can occur at any age but often happens later in life. spanteldotru / Getty Images How Many People Are Affected? Is It a Cancer or a Disease? Polycythemia vera also falls under a related group of blood cancers called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 306 words · Lauren Escobar

An Overview of Proximal Humeral Fractures

A proximalhumeralfracture is a broken bone that occurs near your shoulder joint. A proximal humeral fracture can be a painful injury that limits your ability to move your arm and shoulder. Proximal humeral fractures can be treated conservatively with an arm sling, pain management, and supportive care. Mediaphotos / Vetta / Getty Images A physical therapy program after a proximal humeral fracture can help you return to normal activity quickly and safely....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 240 words · Julie Douglas

An Overview of Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Common terms for this condition includerazor bumps, shaving bumps, oringrown hairs. This condition develops after hair has been removed by either shaving (most commonly) or waxing. Symptoms of pseudofolliculitis barbae include: These symptoms may develop or worsen within a day or two after shaving. Photo: LaylaBird / Getty Images Pseudofolliculitis also causes darkening of the skin in affected areas, a condition calledpost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Hypertrophic (raised scars)orkeloid scarscan also develop in people who are prone to them....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 690 words · Javier Beltran

An Overview of Psoriatic Arthritis Triggers

Researchers know thatpsoriatic arthritisflares when the immune system becomes overactive and creates inflammation, leading to pain and swelling. They just don’t knowwhyit becomes overactive. This article describes the eight primary triggers of psoriatic arthritis. Verywell / Alexandra Gordon It also explains how the symptoms and treatment options can vary. What Is Psoriatic Arthritis? The scales are usually whitish-silver before they turn into thick, red patches. Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 621 words · Taylor Boyer

An Overview of Rectal Cancer

Symptoms, Causes, Screening, and Treatment The rectum is the last six inches of the large intestine. Like other organs in the body, the rectum is vulnerable to many diseases and conditions, including cancer. Rectal cancer is a bang out of cancer that develops in the rectum. Illustration by Verywell This article will discuss what rectal cancer is and its symptoms. It also covers the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and screening of the disease....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 391 words · Danny Middleton DDS

An Overview of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis affects over 1 million adults in the United States. Symptoms This breakdown of myelin can affect both the brain and the spinal cord. These symptoms are then followed by a remission period where symptoms partially lessen or subside entirely. Verywell / Emily Roberts Geographic location also has an impact on the rate of multiple sclerosis developing. Individuals who live farther from the equator are more likely to develop multiple sclerosis....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 158 words · Jeffrey Cole

An Overview of Respiratory Acidosis

Acidic blood can lead to increasingly serious symptoms, starting with sleepiness and progressing to coma. Respiratory acidosis is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. This article looks at the symptoms and causes of respiratory acidosis plus how its diagnosed and treated. Madelyn Goodnight / Verywell Others may develop later. Call 911 Severe respiratory acidosis is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. If you suspect symptoms are developing, call 911 or get to an emergency room....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 557 words · Amanda Gallegos

An Overview of Retinal Tear

A retinal tear is a common age-related eye condition. It causes eye floaters and flashes of light and may lead to more severe vision problems. On its own, a torn retina will not damage your eyesight. gilaxia / Getty Images However, prompt treatment is needed. A retinal tear can quickly progress to aretinal detachment, which can cause permanent vision loss. This article discusses retinal tears. It examines the symptoms, causes, and complications that can occur from a torn retina....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 596 words · Jennifer Hudson

An Overview of Rug Burns

The injury is sometimes referred to as a “skinning.” If enough friction is generated, an actualthermal burnwith blisters and peeling can occur. Some cases can be treated at home, while others require medical treatment and hospitalization. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin Rug burns are usually minor and heal on their own within a week. Friction burns involving larger portions of the body may take longer. The velocity of the abrasion largely influences the severity of the burn....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 204 words · Lori Patton

An Overview of Sacroiliitis

Sacroiliitisis inflammation of the sacroiliac (SI) joint in the pelvic region of your body. This can lead to symptoms of pain in the lower back and buttocks. Sacroiliitis can be brought on by several different medical conditions, including some types of inflammatory back pain. Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell In addition to pain, some people also describe numbness, popping, or clicking below their waistline. Climbing stairs, walking with large strides, and running are other weight-bearing activities that make the pain worse....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 410 words · Rhonda Morrow