Mucus

Sinusitis affects around 1 in 8 adults in the United States. Infection is a frequent cause of sinusitis, affecting about 29 million Americans yearly. Antibiotics may not be necessary unless the sinus infection is severe and leads to a bacterial infection. Instead, guidelines recommend management strategies aiming to ease symptoms. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications often help ease sinus-related symptoms, such as pain relievers for sinus headaches and antihistamines for runny nose or postnasal drip. These and other OTC medications may be used alone or in varying combinations for maximal symptom relief. You can consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider for help finding the proper medications to ease your symptoms.  Read on for a more in-depth look at sinusitis, its causes, treatments, and how to manage sinus-related symptoms. Professional Studio Images / Getty Images Understanding Sinus Infections The sinuses are ...

Abstract Arthritogenic alphaviruses are positive-strand RNA viruses that cause debilitating musculoskeletal diseases affecting millions worldwide. A recent discovery identified the four-and-a-half-LIM domain protein 1 splice variant A (FHL1A) as a crucial host factor interacting with the hypervariable domain (HVD) of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) nonstructural protein 3 (nsP3). Here, we show that acute and chronic chikungunya disease in humans correlates with elevated levels of FHL1. We generated FHL1 −/− mice, which when infected with CHIKV or o'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) displayed reduced arthritis and myositis, fewer immune infiltrates, and reduced proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine outputs, compared to infected wild-type (WT) mice. Interestingly, disease signs were comparable in FHL1 −/− and WT mice infected with arthritogenic alphaviruses Ross River virus (RRV) or Mayaro virus (MAYV). This aligns with pull-down assay data, which showed the ability of CHIKV and ONNV nsP3 to interac...

Phlegm , also known as sputum , is a thick secretion from the airways. It's thicker and comes from deeper in the respiratory tract than the thin secretions you may experience with a simple runny nose. Coughing up phlegm, known as a productive cough, is commonly due to viral respiratory infections that the body may clear on its own, but sometimes it can signal a more serious problem. Read on if you're coughing up phlegm and looking to learn about possible causes and treatments. The Good Brigade / Getty Images What Causes Productive Cough? Mucus is a normal part of the respiratory system that plays an important role in lubricating the airways and defending us against irritants and pathogens. However, inflammation from various causes results in an increase in mucus production and a thicker consistency. This results in the familiar symptoms of runny nose, congestion, and coughing up phlegm. Respiratory infections are a common cause of inf...

In a recent study published in the journal  Nature Communications , researchers report that the heterogeneity of Group A streptococcal infections and the transition of local to systemic infections occurs along with alterations of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) homeostasis by the pathogen. Study:  Pathogen-driven degradation of endogenous and therapeutic antibodies during streptococcal infections. Image Credit: Jezper / Shutterstock.com Background Group A streptococcus, or Streptococcus pyogenes , causes local and systemic broad-spectrum infections in humans. These infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, with approximately 18 million severe cases and 500,000 deaths reported every year. In terms of disease severity, tissue tropism, and the sequelae post-infection, Group A streptococcal infections exhibit substantial heterogeneity. Localized throat or skin infections that result in pharyngitis or impetigo, which are often responsi...

CVS Health is pulling from its drugstore shelves some cough-and-cold treatments that contain an ingredient that has been deemed ineffective by doctors and researchers By TOM MURPHY AP health writer October 20, 2023, 9:14 AM FILE - A sign marks a CVS branch on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Pasadena, Calif. CVS Health is pulling from its drugstore shelves, Friday, Oct. 20, some cough-and-cold treatments that contain an ingredient that has been deemed ineffective by doctors and researchers. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File) The Associated Press CVS Health is pulling from its shelves some cough-and-cold treatments that contain an ingredient that has been deemed ineffective by doctors and researchers. The drug store chain said it will remove a small number of oral decongestants that contain phenylephrine as the only active ingredient. CVS also said it will still sell "many other oral cough and cold products to meet consumer needs." A company spokeswoman declined to elaborate on how...