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Without insurance, flu shots usually cost $25. A local program will offer them for free - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

[unable to retrieve full-text content] Without insurance, flu shots usually cost $25. A local program will offer them for free    Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Understanding Asthma Testing and Diagnosis - Healthline

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Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes trouble breathing. There is currently no cure for asthma, but treatment can help you manage your symptoms. The first step to getting effective treatment is getting a diagnosis. There are several tests that might be used to diagnose asthma, including: physical exams lung function tests imaging tests blood tests You might contact a doctor about asthma if you've been wheezing, coughing, and experiencing shortness of breath. Your doctor will go over your symptoms, medical history, and family history. You'll talk about how long you've had trouble breathing, how often it occurs, and if it gets worse at night. Your doctor will order tests to look for asthma and rule out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms. There are a number of tests needed to diagnose asthma. The first test you'll have will be a physical exam. During the physical exam your doctor will: examine your nose, throat, and airways listen to your brea...

Body temperature: Normal ranges in adults and children - Medical News Today

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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here's our process. Normal body temperatures vary depending on many factors, including a person's age, sex, and activity levels. The normal body temperature for an adult is around 98.6°F (37°C) , but every person's baseline body temperature is slightly different, and may consistently be a little higher or lower. In this article, we discuss the normal ranges of temperature for adults, children, and babies. We also consider factors affecting body temperature, and when to call a doctor. Body temperature readings vary depending on where on the body a person takes the measurements. Rectal readings are higher than oral readings, while armpit readings tend to be lower. The table below gives the normal ranges of body temperature for adults and children according to a thermometer manufacturer: Type of reading 0–2 years 3–10 years 11–65 years Over 65 years O...

Asthma medications: Types, uses, outlook - Medical News Today

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There are many different types of asthma medications, including inhalers, tablets, liquids, and injections. The most common medications consist of a spray or powder that a person inhales directly into their lungs. Inhalers An inhaler is a handheld medical device that allows the medication to travel directly into a person's lungs. They require a small amount of training to use, as there is a specific technique people need to follow to ensure they take the medication effectively. An individual can use an inhaler with an optional piece of equipment called a spacer, a plastic tube that makes the inhaler more efficient. People may find spacers helpful, as they: help waste less medication, as it goes straight to a person's lungs reduce side effects from the medication being in their mouth make taking inhalers easier due to not having to breathe at the right time and speed The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have a video detailing exactly how a person should use an i...

Nasopharyngitis: Definition, causes, and symptoms - Medical News Today

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Nasopharyngitis is another name for the common cold. It is a mild infection of the nose and throat that can produce symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing. Nasopharyngitis develops due to viruses. Currently, however, there are no antiviral medications that could fight them. Antibiotics will not treat a viral infection, so doctors prescribe them only if a person has a complication due to a bacterial infection. Over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicine may provide temporary relief from symptoms, but it does not shorten the course of the infection. Doctors usually advise individuals with a cold to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe. Keep reading to learn more about nasopharyngitis, including the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Nasopharyngitis is the inflammation of the nasal passages and the pharynx, or throat. It is another name for the common cold. According to research, adults have an average of two to four ...

How Acute Bronchitis Is Diagnosed - Verywell Health

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Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the breathing tubes called bronchi. The diagnosis process for acute bronchitis may include questions about your symptoms, a physical examination, and lab tests. You may also need imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan. FG Trade / Getty Images  Self-Checks/At-Home Testing Although there are no official at-home tests for bronchitis, you can perform a self-check of your symptoms to determine if you have a cold or acute bronchitis. Understanding your symptoms can also help you communicate them more easily to a healthcare provider. Check for these symptoms that may indicate you have acute bronchitis:  Cough that produces mucus Low-grade fever Sore throat and chest Shortness of breath or wheezing Fatigue Body aches Headaches  A self-check cannot replace a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. You should see a healthcare provider to get an accurate assessme...

Morning cough: 8 possible causes and treatments - Medical News Today

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Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus from the nose drips down the back of the throat, leading to an upper airway cough. Other symptoms of postnasal drip include: sore throat swallowing frequently feeling a lump in the throat Sometimes, postnasal drip is a temporary issue when a person has an infection, such as a cold or flu, or allergies to something in the environment, including seasonal allergies. In other cases, postnasal drip can be a more chronic problem. People with chronic congestion from a deviated septum or gastroesophageal reflux may experience frequent postnasal drip. Advancing age may also increase the risk. Treatment options If an infection is causing postnasal drip, it will usually disappear on its own. If it lasts longer than a few weeks, a person may need antibiotics to clear a bacterial infection. The following remedies may also help: drinking lots of water sleeping in a room with a humidifier sleeping with the head slightly elevated Asthma causes chronic airway inf...