Merck Manuals Medical Myths

Mythbusting Altitude Sickness: What Really Happens When You Go Too High, Too Fast

Whether you’re skiing in Colorado, trekking in Nepal, or visiting a city like Denver, you’ve probably heard warnings about altitude sickness — but how much of it is true? On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, our host talks with Dr. Andrew Luks, professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at the University of Washington, to separate fact from fiction about altitude illness. Learn what actually causes altitude sickness, how to recognize early warning signs, and what really works for prevention.  To learn more about altitude illness MerckManuals.com  [https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/injuries-and-poisoning/altitude-illness/altitude-illness?query=altitude%20illness]   Intended for listeners in the U.S. and Canada. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

Heart Health Unveiled: Myths and Realities of Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease involves impairment of blood flow through the coronary arteries, it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we provide deeper insight into coronary artery disease with Dr. Ranya N. Sweis, MD, MS a Professor of Cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.     Dr. Sweis clarifies what coronary heart disease is and how it differs from terms like heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, she breaks down the facts and myths about coronary heart disease, its causes, and how technology including stents can play a role in effectively managing the disease.   To learn more about coronary heart disease visit: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/coronary-artery-disease/overview-of-coronary-artery-disease#Risk-Factors_v934040 [https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/coronary-artery-disease/overview-of-coronary-artery-disease#Risk-Factors_v934040]  Intended for listeners in the U.S. and Canada. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

Unmasking Foodborne Illnesses: Myths, Risks, and Prevention with Dr. Larry Bush

On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, infectious disease expert Dr. Larry Bush—Affiliate Professor of Medicine at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University and Affiliate Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine—joins the show to explore foodborne illnesses, their causes, and strategies for prevention.    Dr. Bush clarifies the distinctions between foodborne illnesses and common misconceptions, such as "stomach bugs." He highlights the primary sources of contamination, including meats, poultry, seafood, and raw vegetables, and addresses specific risks like Listeria, which poses significant threats to pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems.    Later in the episode, Dr. Bush provides insights into safe food handling, proper cooking temperatures, and hygiene practices to minimize risk. Dr. Bush also debunks food safety myths, from the limitations of the "sniff test" to the dangers of consuming undercooked or raw foods.    To learn more about listeriosis, (listeria) visit: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/listeriosis?query=listeriosis [https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-bacilli/listeriosis?query=listeriosis] Intended for listeners in the U.S. and Canada. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

Preeclampsia Unveiled: Myths, Risks, and Realities with Dr. Antonette Dulay

In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we explore preeclampsia with Dr. Antonette Dulay, a maternal-fetal medicine division chief of the department of OBGYN at Main Line Health System, as well as a senior physician at Axia Women’s Health. She is board-certified in both maternal-fetal medicine and general obstetrics and gynecology. She was recognized as a Top Doc by Philadelphia Magazine in 2024.    Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Dr. Dulay clarifies the differences between general hypertension and preeclampsia, discussing the risks associated with both for the mother and the baby. She highlights critical symptoms to watch for, such as persistent headaches and unusual swelling.    Additionally, Dr. Dulay debunks common myths, including misconceptions about C-sections and dietary impacts, while also addressing the preventive role of low-dose aspirin. Recognized as a Top Doc by Philadelphia Magazine in 2024, Dr. Dulay offers valuable insights to help ensure the health of both mother and baby during pregnancy.    To learn more about preeclampsia visit: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/antenatal-complications/preeclampsia-and-eclampsia [https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/antenatal-complications/preeclampsia-and-eclampsia] Intended for listeners in the U.S. and Canada. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/antenatal-complications/preeclampsia-and-eclampsia

Why Babies Cry: Understanding and Managing Colic

This episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths Podcast debunks common misconceptions related to colic and why babies cry so much. Dr. Alicia R. Pekarsky, MD, FAAP, ABP Certified in Child Abuse & General Pediatrics and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical University, discusses the reasons why babies cry and how parents can manage it. Dr. Pekarsky explains that crying can be due to hunger, discomfort, overstimulation, or an immature nervous system.     She also delves into colic, characterized by prolonged crying in otherwise healthy infants, and offers strategies for soothing a crying baby, such as swaddling, using white noise, and taking breaks to manage parental stress. Dr. Pekarsky emphasizes the importance of understanding that crying is a normal part of infant development and provides resources for further information on pediatric care. Intended for listeners in the U.S. and Canada. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.