Evidence-Based Medical Knowledge You Can Trust
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: Does COPD Qualify as a Disability? Yes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is recognized as a disability by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To qualify for monthly benefits, you must provide medical evidence showing that your … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. The Quick Answer As of February 2026, there is no Nipah virus outbreak in the UK. No cases have ever been reported in the country. While there are active outbreaks in parts of Asia, such as India and Bangladesh, health experts confirm the risk to … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: What Does Bronchitis Feel Like? Bronchitis is essentially an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. The hallmark symptom is a persistent cough that often brings up thickened mucus. You may also feel short of breath, … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Can You Really Eat Dessert with Diabetes? If you live with diabetes, you have probably been told a dozen times to “watch your sugar.” For many, this feels like a life sentence of skipping the best part of the meal. However, the science of 2026 … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: Emphysema and COPD are not two different diseases. Instead, emphysema is a specific type of lung damage that falls under the “umbrella” of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). While COPD is a broad term for conditions that block airflow, emphysema specifically refers to the destruction of … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: How is COPD Diagnosed? Doctors diagnose Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) through a combination of your medical history, a physical exam, and a breathing test called spirometry. This test measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast you can do it. … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: High cholesterol is often called a “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. Most people do not know they have it until they get a blood test or suffer a medical emergency like a heart attack or stroke. In rare cases of … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: How Long Are You Contagious? Most adults with Influenza B are contagious from one day before symptoms appear until five to seven days after they start feeling sick. Children and people with weakened immune systems can remain infectious for 10 days or longer. To be safe, stay … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: What Causes Lung Cancer? The primary cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoking, which is responsible for approximately 80% to 90% of all cases. When you inhale tobacco smoke, you are breathing in over 7,000 chemicals, at least 70 of which are known carcinogens that damage the DNA in … Read more
Understanding Influenza A and Its Medical Codes Influenza A, often simply called “the flu,” is a serious respiratory infection that affects millions of people every year. It is caused by viruses that spread through the air or by touching infected surfaces. When you visit a doctor for flu symptoms, they use a specific language of … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: The 4 Stages of COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is categorized into four stages based on the GOLD System (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease). These stages are determined by how well your lungs function during a breathing test called spirometry: Living with … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. The quick answer is no, the Nipah virus is not considered a “true” airborne virus like the flu or COVID-19 in 2026. While it can spread through respiratory droplets during very close contact, it does not linger in the air or travel across long distances. … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer Yes, measles can cause brain swelling, a condition known as encephalitis. This occurs in about 1 out of every 1,000 measles cases. It can lead to permanent brain damage, hearing loss, or even death. Additionally, a very rare but fatal brain complication called SSPE can develop … Read more
Medically Reviewed and Compiled by Dr. Adam N. Khan, MD. Quick Answer: The Bottom Line Yes, there is a proven link. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies processed meats—like ham, deli turkey, and bologna—as Group 1 carcinogens. This means there is strong evidence that eating these meats regularly increases the risk of colorectal cancer. However, the risk … Read more
The Complex Role of Taurine in Blood Cancer Taurine is a common ingredient in energy drinks and a natural amino acid in our bodies. For a long time, doctors thought of it as a helpful supplement that protects the heart and brain. However, new research released in 2025 and 2026 shows that its role in blood cancer … Read more