Prescriptions for Discredited COVID Drugs Surged 2,000% After Trump's Support

A new study finds that prescriptions rose sharply for two anti-malarial drugs that President Donald Trump claimed could help prevent or treat COVID-19.

This happened despite the fact that multiple studies found the medicines might only bring harm to patients with coronavirus illness.

The study, conducted by researchers at Har...

1 in 10 Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients With Diabetes Dies: Study

Ten percent of COVID-19 patients with diabetes die within a week of entering the hospital and 20% need a ventilator to breathe by that point, a new French study found.

Researchers analyzed data on more than 1,300 COVID-19 patients with diabetes, average age 70, who were hospitalized in France during March. Of those, 89% had ty...

Hydroxychloroquine May Worsen Odds for Cancer Patients With COVID-19

As the evidence piles up that a malaria drug touted as a possible coronavirus treatment by President Donald Trump may instead harm patients, a new study shows the same might hold true for cancer patients with COVID-19.

Researchers found that cancer patients with COVID-19 who receive both hydroxychloroquine and the antibiotic azithromyc...

Emergency Transport Can Surprise Many With Big Bills

Money is the last thing on anyone's mind during a medical emergency, but new research shows many patients could be hit with huge bills for that ambulance drive or helicopter flight to the hospital.

Quick response is crucial for people who have major injuries or require urgent care for serious health problems, and emergency dispatchers ...

More Patients Turning to Medical Marijuana for Arthritis Pain

Lots of people are using medical marijuana to treat their arthritis and other muscle aches and pains, often without consulting their doctor, a new study reports.

As many as 1 in 5 patients who consult an orthopedic surgeon for chronic musculoskeletal pain are using a cannabis product to treat them, Canadian researchers found.

"We...

'Major Financial Hardship' Hits Most Patients Battling Advanced Colon Cancer

A cancer diagnosis can deliver a double blow -- along with dealing with a serious health crisis, you also need to worry about how your treatment is going to affect your finances.

Nearly three out of four people with advanced colon cancer that spread to other parts of their bodies experienced major financial hardships within a year of ...

Tumors Have Their Own Bacterial Colonies That Could Guide Cancer Care

The human body is teeming with bacteria, and a new study finds the same is true of many cancers -- raising questions about what role microbes might play in the diseases.

Researchers have already known that tumors in certain areas of the body -- like the gut -- harbor bacteria of their own. But the new research reveals that a range of c...

Spirituality Helps Stroke Survivors, Caregivers Bounce Back

Could a higher power help stroke recovery? People who are spiritual may be better able to deal with stroke-related disability, new research suggests.

The Italian study linked spirituality -- be it through religion or simply a strong sense of purpose and connection to others -- to a lower risk of depression for people with low to moder...

Music Might Help Soothe Ailing Hearts

Music influences people's heart rates, and one piece of music will affect individuals' hearts differently, a new, small study shows.

The findings could lead to novel, drug-free treatments for such conditions as high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders, or to help people relax or stay alert, the researchers said.

Previou...

Are Many With Autism Missing Out on Key Gene Tests?

Very few people with autism receive two recommended genetic tests, a new study finds.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical groups recommend offering chromosomal microarray testing and Fragile X testing to people with autism, to detect or rule out genetic abnormalities that could affect their diagnosis and care.

100,000 Dead, 40 Million Unemployed: America Hits Grim Pandemic Milestones

THURSDAY, May 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- As the U.S. coronavirus death toll passed 100,000 on Wednesday, there was more evidence of the collateral damage the virus has caused: New numbers released Thursday show the number of unemployed has now passed 40 million.

The death toll is "a striking reminder of how dangerous this virus can ...

Could an Injected Electrode Control Your Pain Without Drugs?

An injectable electrode could prove a better way to ease chronic nerve pain than opioid painkillers or bulky and expensive implants, animal research suggests.

It's called an "injectrode." It appears easier and cheaper than spinal implants for debilitating back pain, and safer than long-term use of opioids like OxyContin (oxycodone), a ...

Pandemic Can Overwhelm Those With Autism

The coronavirus pandemic can be especially difficult for children and adults with autism and their families, experts say.

Self-isolation and disruption of routine are tough for anyone, but may emotionally upend someone with an autism spectrum disorder, said Dr. Adrien Eshraghi, a professor and director of the University of Miami Hearin...

'Silent' COVID-19 More Widespread Than Thought

A new cruise ship study suggests that the number of people who are infected with the new coronavirus but have no symptoms may be much higher than believed.

More than 80% of those who tested positive for the infection had no symptoms, according to the study published online May 27 in the journal Thorax...