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Latest information:

HIV: Can regular exercise help?

Regular aerobic or progressive resistance exercise could have a positive effect on heart and lung fitness in people living with HIV, as long as they are medically stable enough to follow a light exercise programme. Several trials have shown this. Read more in our research summary.


A first: WHO reviews national patient information website

The German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare (IQWiG) invited the World Health Organization to evaluate the methods used by the Institute to develop patient information, as well as the quality and accuracy of that information. The WHO report has now been published.

You can read about why the World Health Organization believes that IQWiG’s patient information is important, where they see room for improvement, and what other conclusions they came to here.

Massage

Kneading, rubbing, stretching: The most common forms of massage at a glance

“A” for ayurveda, “C” for cupping massage or “T” for trigger point massage – the various forms of massage differ in terms of things like the hand movements used, the pressure applied when kneading, rubbing or tapping, as well as the area of the body that is massaged. We have put together information about the most commonly used forms of massage here.

Low back pain: Can massage help?

Massage has long been a treatment for back pain. It is used to relieve pain, relax muscles and improve well-being. People who have low back pain can benefit from some forms of massage. But combining massage with other approaches might be even more effective. You can read more about that here.

Neck pain: A common problem

A lot of people have neck pain. It can be caused by things like acute strain or wear and tear of the joints. Research has shown that manipulation of the spine in the upper back or neck area can relieve chronic neck pain in the short term. But how long does this effect last? Find out in our updated research summary.

Anti-clotting medication

Anti-clotting medication: 12 questions and answers

How does blood clot? When do blood clots become dangerous? What are anticoagulants? Can other drugs change the effect of anti-clotting medication? – We have put together answers to these and other questions in our fact sheet.

Combination therapy for angina pectoris and heart attacks?

People who have unstable angina pectoris or have had a heart attack in the past can lower their risk of further heart problems if they take the drug clopidogrel as well as ASA. But they also have to decide whether they are prepared to accept adverse effects such as bleeding. You can read more about this combination therapy and its benefits here.

At a glance: Cancer treatment options

Malignant tumours can be life-threatening. There are a variety of treatments that aim to remove them, or at least stop them from growing and spreading. You can read about the most commonly used cancer treatments here.

Insomnia: What can help you get a good night’s sleep again?

If you have slept badly, you can feel totally wiped out the next day. This is a common problem: researchers estimate that 20 out of 100 people are affected. But there are things you can do if you are having trouble sleeping, without needing sleeping tablets. Sometimes it is enough to get used to particular habits. You can find out more about this in our “at a glance” fact sheet.


Influenza: Do antiviral drugs help?

Antiviral drugs only have a chance of working if they are taken at the beginning of the flu. But research has shown that some of these drugs are associated with a high risk of adverse effects. Read our research summary to find out more.


Graves’ disease: Treatment is a balancing act

The overproduction of hormones in Graves’ disease can be reduced with anti-thyroid medications. But using these drugs is something of a balancing act: if the dose is too low, recurrences could be more common. If the dose is too high, adverse effects are a problem. So how can you find out what dose is best? Read about the latest findings in our updated research summary.

Depression: New medications put to the test

IQWiG researchers looked into what can be expected from new medications for depression. Trials of duloxetine and venlafaxine have shown that they can relieve the symptoms of depression and help people to cope better in everyday life. They can also reduce the risk of depression coming back. You can find out more about this research in our new research summary.

Stroke: Recognising the signs

A stroke is an emergency where every minute counts. The sooner the person gets treatment, the more brain cells can be saved. That lowers the risk of serious consequences. But what are the typical signs of a stroke? What should people look out for? Find out here.

Do pregnant women need iron supplements?

Pregnant women usually try to have a balanced diet. But is it a good idea to take mineral supplements as well? Researchers looked at whether healthy women who took iron supplements were less likely to have certain health problems. Find out what they concluded here.

Mental fitness: Does brain training keep people mentally fit in older age?

Brain training products such as those available for computers and mobile phones are becoming increasingly popular. Does brain training really have a positive influence on the mental abilities of healthy older people? Find out what researchers concluded here.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Medication helps to lower the risk

If someone fractures a bone or tears a ligament in their leg, they have to wear a cast or splint. Keeping your leg still or hardly moving it for several days increases the risk of a blood clot (thrombus) forming in a leg vein. This can become dangerous if the clot dislodges from the vein and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. Which medications can be used to prevent blood clots in immobilised legs? You will find detailed information in our research summary.


Hyperthyroidism

Updated information:
Graves’ disease - FDA warns about drug propylthiouracil

Graves’ disease is a common cause of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland makes too many thyroid hormones, causing symptoms like a rapid heart rate and nervousness. Find out here why the treatment of Graves’ disease is a balancing act and why the US regulatory authority FDA issued a safety alert about the drug propylthiouracil.


Medications for the treatment of hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a common condition, affecting 2 out of 1,000 men and 20 out of 1,000 women. In this research summary we describe the main treatment options as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using a combination of certain drugs. Also: find out what people who are taking the drug propylthiouracil can do in response to the FDA safety alert. More


Type 2 diabetes: Long-acting insulin analogues under scrutiny

Insulin analogues are said to differ from regular insulin, mainly in terms of how long they take to start lowering blood sugar levels and how long their effect lasts. Could people who have type 2 diabetes benefit from this new kind of insulin? Do they have advantages over human insulin and are they better at preventing serious complications associated with type 2 diabetes? You can now find answers to these and other questions here on our website.

Recent research has suggested that one of these artificial kinds of insulin (insulin glargine) might speed up the development of cancer. Further data needs to be analysed to be more sure though. You can read more about this here.


Weight gain in pregnancy: Nine questions and answers

Pregnancy is associated with a lot of changes affecting the bodies of expectant mothers and their daily lives. Our information offers answers to questions that many pregnant women ask themselves: How much weight gain is normal? Can putting on a lot of weight be a problem? Can I prevent stretch marks if I keep my weight under control? You’re just one click away from the answers to nine questions! More


After childbirth: What can you do if your weight does not disappear on its own?

“Pregnant women whose bumps are ‘all out front’ soon return to their normal weight after giving birth.” – “Your baby will keep you so busy that the extra weight will just melt away!” Women who are wondering how they will lose weight after giving birth often hear well-meant words of encouragement like this. But what happens if you do not lose weight within a few months after your baby is born? Read our information to find out what researchers have concluded about the effectiveness of programmes involving things like pram walking groups, diets and group meetings with cooking demonstrations. More


Weight quiz: How much do you know about weight-related health issues?

Many people try to lose weight – some because they want to live up to idealised beauty images, and others because they think losing a few kilos will be good for their health. Are you aware of the potential consequences of being overweight? When is putting on weight good for you? Test your knowledge of weight-related health issues here: Quiz


Updated information: Can taking a warm bath relieve labour pain?

Warm water is one of the non-drug options that women use to try to relieve pain during labour. How popular are baths and birthing pools among women? Does this approach actually help relieve pain? Recent research has confirmed the results previously reported here: More


Special feature on rosacea:

Updated information: Rosacea - Causes, treatment, effects

Red patches of skin on your face, tiny visible blood vessels and spots: many people know these problems well. They may be caused by rosacea – a common inflammation of facial skin. We describe what can be done to treat rosacea in our fact sheet. We have added information, for example, about the psychological effects of the disease. We also now have a “rosacea diary” which you can use to find out what could be triggering your rosacea outbreaks. You will find the fact sheet here and the diary here.


Updated information: Rosacea: Which medications have been well studied?

A wide variety of creams, lotions and gels are offered for the relief of rosacea symptoms. For more severe forms, stronger oral medications are used too. You can read about the current scientific knowledge about these treatments in our research summary.


Eczema: Can elimination diets relieve the symptoms?

Many people who have eczema try to relieve their symptoms by avoiding certain foods, such as eggs or cow’s milk. This is called an “elimination diet”. A group of researchers wanted to know whether avoiding certain foods like this or going on a diet that only includes a handful of foods can help. You can read about what they found here.


Special feature on migraines in children and teenagers:

Migraine information for children and teenagers

Some children or teenagers have such bad migraine attacks that they are unable to leave the house. They cannot go to school and also miss out on many fun activities. The good news is that there is a lot that can be done so that the attacks are less frequent and less of a problem. What is more, chances are high that the migraines will go away for good when they grow up. You can read about how to prevent migraine attacks and cope with them when they happen in our fact sheet for young people.


Can migraines be prevented without using medication?

Tension and stress are believed to play a role in triggering migraines in children and teenagers. If that is true, relaxation techniques could help to prevent or relieve migraine symptoms. Other strategies to prevent migraines involve lifestyle changes, for example, affecting sleep habits or diet. Read on to find out about the research on preventing migraines without taking medication: Research summary.


Migraines in children and teenagers: What medications can relieve the symptoms?

Medications that work in adults will not always work in exactly the same way in children and teenagers. Not only do children need smaller doses because they are physically smaller: the drugs might work differently, too. They may be more or less effective in relieving migraine symptoms, and they may cause different adverse effects as well. For this reason, only a few of the medications that are commonly used for adults who have migraine attacks have been approved for use in children or teenagers. A group of researchers from the Netherlands have now looked into what medications can help relieve acute migraine symptoms in young people. Find out what they concluded here.


Preventing migraine attacks in young people: Can medications or herbal products help?

Most children and teenagers cope with migraines by changing certain habits and taking medication when needed. But if they have migraines so frequently that they cannot get on with everyday activities, or if the medication does not work, young people and their parents often look for ways to prevent attacks. There is not enough research on any of the medications or herbal products to be able to reach clear conclusions about their benefits and harms in children and teenagers. You will find more information on this and the so-called off-label use of medication for children in this research summary.


Special feature on asthma in pregnancy:

Mild or well-controlled asthma will usually cause no major health problems for a pregnant woman or her unborn baby. Poorly controlled asthma can have consequences for mothers and babies, though. Women can find out what they can do to protect themselves and their baby in our fact sheet and research summary: Asthma in pregnancy


Special feature on lymphoedema

Preventing and treating lymphoedema

Between 10 and 20% of women who have breast cancer surgery or radiotherapy develop lymphoedema after treatment. Find out what women can do if that happens in our new fact sheet, and read about what treatments have been shown to help relieve lymphoedema symptoms in our research summary.

Special feature on osteoporosis

Fact sheet about osteoporosis

What are the main risk factors for osteoporosis? Why do some people's bones break more easily in old age? Could smoking influence the health of your bones? Does avoiding physical activity protect your bones, or is the opposite true? You will find answers to these and other interesting questions in our new fact sheet.


Lowering the risk of osteoporosis with simple strategies

Australian researchers wanted to find out whether dietary supplements can really prevent the breakdown of bones and, if so, how much supplementation is necessary. To do this, they analysed trials involving almost 64,000 people who took calcium supplements with or without Vitamin D. To see what conclusions they came to, click here.


Calcium calculator: Am I getting enough calcium?

Calcium is an important part of our diets throughout life. It strengthens our bones, as well as our teeth and nails. Calcium is found in the food and drinks we consume, but you can also get it from dietary supplements. It is generally recommended that adults get 1,000 mg of calcium per day. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), women who are past their menopause and men who are older than 65 need at least 1,300 mg calcium a day. Use our online calculator to find out roughly how much calcium you are getting! You will find a text version of the calculator here.


Special feature on sleep and insomnia

Bedtime habits: 10 basic principles for managing insomnia

Does napping during the day improve sleep at night? Can exercise before going to bed make it easier to fall asleep and feel refreshed in the morning? Insomnia can be managed without taking medication. Our new fact sheet provides helpful information on this topic.


Insomnia - what really helps?

This research summary provides an overview of the current evidence on behaviour therapy and relaxation techniques for people with chronic insomnia. Do relaxation techniques help people fall asleep more quickly and get enough sleep? How effective are approaches that aim to change sleep habits? The main research results are summarised here.


From childhood to old age: How does "normal" sleep change over time?

Sleep is considered to be "normal" if you fall asleep easily, sleep through the night, do not wake up too early and feel refreshed in the morning. Our sleep patterns change throughout life. Researchers analysed studies that looked at what normal sleep is in healthy people at different ages. Find out what they concluded here.


Fatigue in autoimmune diseases: Which non-drug treatments can help?

In autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, the body constantly mounts an immune response against itself. Along with the typical symptoms, this kind of illness often causes severe fatigue. There are several non-drug treatments that can help. These include so-called "energy conservation programmes", which you can read more about here. We describe what such approaches typically involve here.


Depression after stroke:

Grief and sadness are normal after a stroke, but some people get clinically depressed. People who have had strokes, as well as their family and other caregivers, need support to cope after a stroke. You can learn more in our new feature on coping after stroke: here.

Dietary supplements and complementary medicines

The same is true for complementary and prescription medicines: some help, but others do not - and they can have adverse effects. Our new fact sheet helps you find your way through this large market. And we have new information on complementary medicines for depression, premenstrual syndrome and nausea after operations: More


Special feature on allergies

Specific immunotherapy for hay fever and other airborne allergies

Sneezing, blocked nose, runny eyes - and that at just the time of year when people want to be outside more. It is no wonder that many people with hay fever want to find alternatives to allergy medication. Some choose to try specific immunotherapy, which is called de-sensitisation or hyposensitisation. What is specific immunotherapy (SIT) and what are the adverse effects? Are there alternatives to the allergy shots? You can read answers to these questions in our fact sheet and research summary: see our new feature on allergies

Preventing allergies in children: a new fact sheet for parents

Which children have a higher risk of developing allergies? Can pregnant women do anything to try to prevent their child developing allergies? Is childhood immunisation responsible for the increase in allergies? There are some things parents can to lower the chance their child will develop allergies. Also in our new feature: Allergies

A comparison between some antihistamines

Four antihistamines are among the most commonly used medicines for allergies. A research team wanted to find out if any were better than the others. You can read about what they found in our summary: Antihistamines

Quiz on allergies

What really causes allergies? What are the myths, and what are the facts? Test your knowledge about allergies in our latest quiz: here



What's coming next?

Coming soon: full-length features on asthma, endometriosis, insulin and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and much more.

What topics would interest you?

We can't cover everything, but we would very much like to know what our readers want, so it can help us decide future topics. If there is a topic you would like to read about, let us know about it using our Suggest a Topic online form.