Celiac disease is an autoimmune enteropathy triggered by components of the gluten protein found in many cereal grains. Also known as “non-tropical sprue” and “gluten-sensitive enteropathy,” this condition afflicts about 1% of the US population with cramping, bloating, and mal-absorptive diarrhea upon exposure to gluten. Many more people likely have atypical or subclinical presentations that remain undiagnosed.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as the state of carbohydrate (glucose) intolerance that has its onset or first recognition during late pregnancy and has many similarities to non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). GDM presents in two forms. The terms “overt” and “gestational diabetes” are used to describe the type of GDM, and are based primarily on gestational age at diagnosis.

Clinical depression is more than just sadness. Although there are clear patterns, the symptoms can be very different from person to person. The most common symptom is called “anhedonia,” or no longer taking pleasure in fun activities. Some people become insomniacs, some sleep most of the day. Other people start abusing drugs and alcohol, while some simply get irritable and short-tempered. No lab or imaging tests can help diagnose depression, only the clinical judgment of a health-care practitioner. There are several clinical tools available to help diagnose depression.

A typical pharmacy has shelf after shelf of medicines that can be sold without a doctor's prescription. These are called over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Many concerned mothers wonder about the safety of these medications while they are breastfeeding a baby. While there are many brands and varieties of drugs on the market, there is a relatively small list of active ingredients in all those products. Careful review of the product label is an essential part of responsible and safe use of these medicines. Some preparations have more than one active ingredient.

A typical pharmacy has shelf after shelf of medicines that can be sold without a doctor's prescription. These are called over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Many concerned mothers wonder about the safety of these medications while they are breastfeeding a baby. While there are many brands and varieties of drugs on the market, there is a relatively small list of active ingredients in all those products. Careful review of the product label is an essential part of responsible and safe use of these medicines. Some preparations have more than one active ingredient.