The Side Effects of Steroid Treatment

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a condition that changes the adrenal gland’s ability to produce essential hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens. To manage this condition, people with CAH rely on lifelong steroid treatments to replace these hormones. However, while steroids are lifesaving, they can also… Continue reading The Side Effects of Steroid Treatment

Treating Mouth Sores Caused by Ulcerative Colitis

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Living with ulcerative colitis (UC) can bring unexpected challenges, including issues that go beyond the digestive system. One such issue is mouth sores. These painful or uncomfortable sores may show up because of UC flare-ups, side effects from medications, or other related conditions. While UC primarily… Continue reading Treating Mouth Sores Caused by Ulcerative Colitis

Erythema Nodosum: A Skin Condition Caused by UC

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Have painful red or blue bumps appearing on your skin? That could be a sign of erythema nodosum (EN), a painful skin condition that can affect people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis. EN can also be present in patients with infections, or from… Continue reading Erythema Nodosum: A Skin Condition Caused by UC

What Medications Help Reduce Colon Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis?

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Inflammation in the colon from ulcerative colitis (UC) is a frustrating symptom to deal with. This symptom can significantly impact your quality of life. UC causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon, which leads to issues like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. There is no… Continue reading What Medications Help Reduce Colon Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis?

Am I at Risk for Bird Flu? What You Need to Know 

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA If you have concerns about bird flu, it is always a good idea to gather as much credible information as possible and review any advisories or recommendations from local health authorities.  Although bird flu is a serious infection with potentially severe consequences, current evidence suggests that… Continue reading Am I at Risk for Bird Flu? What You Need to Know 

How to Talk to a Chatbot About Your Health

PatientsLikeMe now has a new A.I. Personal Health Navigator specifically trained to help people manage their health more effectively! Called Ella, this new interface is a great source of information for people to turn to when they have questions about treatments, symptoms, or roadblocks in their care. You may have noticed chatbots popping up across… Continue reading How to Talk to a Chatbot About Your Health

“Drug Holidays” – The Risks of Stopping Medication During Breaks

For many, the holiday season brings thoughts of relaxation or celebrations with family! In the medical world, medical holidays or “drug holidays” are planned breaks from a prescribed medication. While taking a break from certain medications can be beneficial for some people, these pauses come with risks. This is especially true for people on weight… Continue reading “Drug Holidays” – The Risks of Stopping Medication During Breaks

Chart Your Course: Goal Setting for Mindful Eating

In a world filled with dietary advice and trending nutrition plans, building sustainable eating habits can be hard! But one powerful way to create long-lasting, healthy habits is through mindful eating and goal setting. Here, PatientsLikeMe will explain how to make mindful eating a part of your lifestyle. We will discuss the benefits of setting… Continue reading Chart Your Course: Goal Setting for Mindful Eating

Ulcerative Colitis: Preparing For and Recovering From a Colonoscopy

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA A colonoscopy can be daunting! People are often worried it will hurt and they will suffer from bleeding or post-procedure effects. Having anxiety around getting a colonoscopy done is perfectly normal. It should not, however, stop you from getting them done! They are an important part… Continue reading Ulcerative Colitis: Preparing For and Recovering From a Colonoscopy

Quick Relief From Stomach Pain With Ulcerative Colitis

Medically reviewed and verified by Kate Burke, MD, MHA Living with ulcerative colitis (UC) means dealing with abdominal pain. It can range from mild discomfort to intense cramping. This type of inflammatory bowel disease creates inflammation in the digestive tract, specifically in the large intestine and rectum. This inflammation can lead to ulcers on the… Continue reading Quick Relief From Stomach Pain With Ulcerative Colitis