The counter allergy is a safe first step for children who have symptoms of allergies

ESTIMATED MAYO CLINIC: My seven year old daughter has all the symptoms of allergies: watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing. ¿I can give you a counter allergy safe, or should I first go to the doctor with her? Response from Dr. James Li, Allergic Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA: If allergy...

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is a combination of genetic and environmental factors

ESTIMATED MAYO CLINIC: What is the cause for the development of rheumatoid arthritis? ANSWER from Dr. Nisha Manek, Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA: As with many diseases, the causes of rheumatoid arthritis appear to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors...

Early treatment of bacterial meningitis leads to improved outcomes

ESTIMATED MAYO CLINIC: I hear in the news stories about meningitis scare me much. What causes meningitis and how I can protect my children and myself? ANSWER from Dr. Ritu Banerjee, Infectious Diseases in Children, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA: Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes...

Lifestyle factors that would help reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence

ESTIMATED MAYO CLINIC: I am a breast cancer survivor for two years. What factors I can change my lifestyle to actually prevent a recurrence? ANSWER from Dr. Sandhya Pruthi, Breast Diagnostic Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States: As a breast cancer survivor, you can take steps to help...

Distinguish between bile reflux and acid reflux can be difficult

ESTIMATED MAYO CLINIC: What is the difference between bile reflux and acid reflux? Response from Dr. Jeffrey Alexander, Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States: Bile reflux refers to the fluid from the small intestine that flows into the stomach and esophagus. Acid reflux,...