Medical News Today


Welcome to this week's MNT newsletter, bringing you the headlines and updated stories of the past week from our team of expert writers.

Stay informed with the latest developments in the current COVID-19 outbreak and our dedicated COVID-19 daily newsletter.


Bones / Orthopedics
Tight glutes: Stretches and prevention
The glutes are muscles in the buttocks. Tightness can cause pain, but targeted stretches can relieve the issue and prevent it from returning. Learn more here.


Depression
What are the differences between major and persistent depressive disorder?
Major and persistent depressive disorders are two common forms of depression. Learn about the differences, including symptoms and treatment methods, here.
Can MDMA treat depression?
Researchers are looking into whether MDMA, also known as ecstasy, can help treat depression by increasing serotonin levels. Learn more here.
What are intrusive thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts are a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Learn more about common types of intrusive thoughts and the treatment options.
Thyroid and depression: What to know
Hypothyroidism and depression can produce similar symptoms. For example, both can cause changes in mood. Learn about the links between them here.
How does isolation affect mental health?
Social distancing is an effective way to manage a pandemic, but it can also cause loneliness. This article looks at how isolation can affect mental health.


GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Benefits of drinking lemon water
Many people claim that drinking lemon water has powerful health benefits. This article examines the benefits and myths related to lemon water.
What is gluten, and why is it bad for some people?
With more than 30% of Americans actively trying to avoid gluten, we look at the evidence behind who should avoid gluten and why. Learn how gluten may harm health here.
Vomiting in pregnancy: What is normal?
Vomiting in pregnancy is a common symptom. It is usually due to morning sickness, although other causes are possible and may require medical attention.
COVID-19: First bowel imaging study implicates blood clots
A recent analysis of abdominal scans suggests that blood clots in small arteries might starve bowel tissue of oxygen in people with severe COVID-19.
What causes diarrhea during a period?
Diarrhea can sometimes occur before or during a period. Read on to discover the causes, as well as some home treatments for diarrhea and other menstrual symptoms.
Symptoms and treatment of a 24-hour stomach bug
A 24-hour stomach bug, or stomach flu, is a contagious virus that causes vomiting. Learn about the causes, treatments, and how to prevent it.


Neurology / Neuroscience
Onpattro (patisiran)
Onpattro (patisiran) is a prescription drug used to treat polyneuropathy caused by hATTR in adults. Learn about dosage, alternatives, how it works, and more.


Respiratory
Can bronchitis turn into pneumonia? Causes and diagnosis
Bronchitis and pneumonia have similar symptoms. As bronchitis can sometimes increase the risk of pneumonia, treating bronchitis can help prevent pneumonia. Learn more here.
How to find the best cold medicine
With so much variety, people may find it difficult to choose the best cold medicine for them. This article looks at some medications that may help.
What are the benefits and risks of halotherapy?
Halotherapy is a form of salt therapy that some people believe can help ease respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Find out what the research says here.
What can cause a dry cough?
A dry cough is a type of cough that does not produce phlegm. Here, learn about the various causes, including COVID-19 and asthma, and how to treat them.


Stroke
What is the circle of Willis?
The circle of Willis is a junction of several important arteries at the bottom part of the brain. Learn more about its anatomy, function, and more.