Rebecca Voelker

Dec 5, 2024 | jamanetwork.com | Rebecca Voelker

Chagas disease is a parasitic infection that can cause heart and/or gastrointestinal problems. The parasite that causes Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, is transmitted to humans by contact with the infected feces of triatomine insects, found throughout Latin America and in the southern US.1 Other routes of transmission include blood transfusion, organ transplant, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, contaminated food or drinks, and unintentional laboratory exposure.

Nov 7, 2024 | jamanetwork.com | Rebecca Voelker

Chronic pruritus is defined as itching that lasts for 6 weeks or longer. Chronic pruritus accounts for about 7 million physician visits annually in the US and affects approximately 22% of people during their lifetime. Chronic pruritus is associated with impaired sleep and reduced quality of life.1 What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Chronic Pruritus? Some people with chronic pruritus have a “pure” itch—an uncomfortable sensation that results in an urge to scratch the skin.

Oct 24, 2024 | jamanetwork.com | Rebecca Voelker

Allergic rhinitis is a condition that may cause nasal congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, sneezing, and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat. Allergic rhinitis affects about 50 million people in the US and is caused by exposure to certain substances in the air called aeroallergens.1 The 2 main types of allergic rhinitis are seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.

Oct 3, 2024 | jamanetwork.com | Rebecca Voelker

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the wall of the uterus. Uterine fibroids are one of the most common tumors in reproductive-aged women. An estimated 40% to 89% of premenopausal women have fibroids, which can vary in size from 1 cm to more than 20 cm. Black women who are affected have a larger number and increased size of fibroids and experience more severe symptoms from fibroids than White women.

Sep 19, 2024 | jamanetwork.com | Rebecca Voelker

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage various organs in the body. Systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly called lupus, affects about 3.4 million people worldwide, approximately 90% of whom are female. About 65% of people with lupus are diagnosed before age 50 years. Lupus likely develops due to a combination of genetic risk factors and environmental exposures.