Fatty liver disease, now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), happens when extra fat builds up in liver cells without alcohol being the cause. Normally, the liver contains some fat, but if more than 5–10% of the liver’s weight is fat, it is considered a fatty liver. In its advanced stage, MASLD can develop into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), causing swelling and serious damage to the liver. Alarmingly, MASLD affects about 100 million people in the United States, including a growing number of children.

The disease often develops silently. Many people do not experience symptoms early on, but if it worsens, signs like fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, swelling, and even mental confusion may occur. Risk factors include obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, rapid weight loss, poor eating habits, and certain medications.

A Breakthrough in Early Prediction

A new study offers hope for earlier detection. Researchers, led by Dr. Shiyi Yu from Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital in China, have developed a blood test that looks for five specific plasma proteins to predict MASLD years before symptoms show up. The findings are set to be presented at the Digestive Diseases Week meeting in San Diego.

The test was shown to be 84% accurate at predicting fatty liver disease five years in advance and 76% accurate at predicting it 16 years ahead of diagnosis. When additional factors like body mass index (BMI) and daily exercise habits were added, the prediction accuracy improved even more—over 90% at five years and 82% at 16 years.

This model was tested on two different groups—participants from the UK Biobank (over 50,000 people) and a separate group in China—showing promising results across diverse populations.

Why Early Detection Matters

Fatty liver disease not only damages the liver but also increases the risk of early death—primarily from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) rather than liver failure itself. The connection between MASLD and heart disease is strong, as both share causes like high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and obesity. That is why early diagnosis is crucial—not just to protect the liver, but also to manage the risk of heart disease.

Early identification through a simple blood test could lead to earlier lifestyle changes, medical monitoring, and interventions that can prevent serious complications like cirrhosis or heart attacks.

What You Can Do

Currently, there is no approved medication for MASLD. Treatment mainly involves:

• Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise
• Controlling diabetes and cholesterol levels
• Avoiding alcohol
• Following medical advice if already diagnosed

Preventive steps include eating a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy oils, being physically active, and avoiding unnecessary medications.

Although the findings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal, this research marks a major advancement. It shows that a simple blood test could soon help millions of people know their risk decades in advance, giving them a chance to change the course of the disease before it's too late.

Have you ever had a sudden, relentless itch soon after you stopped taking your daily allergy medication? In mid-May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a surprising warning- individuals who stop taking long-term usual over-the-counter antihistamines such as Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Xyzal (levocetirizine) may develop a severe, generalized itching a condition medically referred to as pruritus. Although uncommon, this reaction can be severe enough to seek medical attention, and it is an indication of how important it is to be educated prior to discontinuing these popular drugs.

Tens of millions of Americans use cetirizine or levocetirizine every year to manage seasonal sneezes or chronic hives. In 2022 alone, over 62.7 million OTC units of these antihistamines were sold, and another 26.8 million were prescribed by outpatient pharmacies. However, between April 2017 and July 2023, the FDA reported 209 worldwide cases of intense itching after sudden stopping of these drugs—180 for Zyrtec, 27 for Xyzal, and two each for both. There were 197 cases in the United States, though experts assume this could be a low estimate because not all reactions are reported to the authorities.

"For now, we want to inform the public of this risk," the FDA said on May 16, 2025, stressing that although pruritus upon discontinuation of these drugs is rare compared with their widespread use, the agency is revising labeling and requesting manufacturers to place a warning on OTC Drug Facts labels.

What Is Pruritus?

Pruritus is the medical term for itching and may result from many causes, from dry skin to systemic disease. The Cleveland Clinic states that pruritus results when nerve endings in the skin are stimulated excessively by inflammatory pathways, allergens, or neurological disease. What is interesting about the FDA warning is that patients who had the reaction had no history of itching prior to starting their antihistamine treatment and the symptom would usually appear within days of ceasing the drug after months or even years of daily intake.

"Once in a while, this occurs, and Opella maintains the safety of Xyzal when taken as instructed," an Opella spokesperson told PEOPLE magazine, emphasizing that millions of people get along fine with these medications. A representative for Zyrtec, contacted by phone, also confirmed the drug's decades-long track record for safety but had no further information regarding the FDA alert.

Why Does Stopping Antihistamines Trigger Severe Itching?

Scientists continue to explore the exact mechanism. One hypothesis is that chronic antihistamine use can desensitize the histamine receptors or affect nerve conduction pathways. When the drug is discontinued, the receptors might become hyperresponsive and unleash a trail of itch-inducing chemicals into the skin. Since histamine also helps regulate nerve and inflammation functions, sudden withdrawal can unleash a rebound effect much more severe than typical dryness or superficial irritation.

Dr. Karen Liu, an independent dermatologist and not involved in the FDA review, says, "Antihistamines quiet histamine-induced inflammation. If you all of a sudden take that blockage away after extended use, the body's normal histamine reaction can spike, causing severe pruritus."

Who Is at Risk and What to Do Next?

Although the majority of patients who experienced pruritus were taking Zyrtec or Xyzal daily for a minimum of three months, some had symptoms only after a few weeks of usage. Due to this inconsistency, the FDA recommends anyone considering prolonged antihistamine therapy to have the benefits and risks reviewed with their physician. If you experience violent itching several days after stopping cetirizine or levocetirizine, call your doctor at once.

No formal treatments for withdrawal-induced pruritus have been sanctioned. Yet patients say restarting the antihistamine usually takes care of symptoms, and some find that slowing down the dose instead of just quitting works for them. "Physicians should balance the advantages of continuing therapy against the risk of rebound scratching," suggests Dr. Liu. Any restart or taper plan should be orchestrated by a physician.

Warning Amid Intensifying Allergy Seasons

Experts point out that allergy incidence is increasing, partly due to climate change, which lengthens pollen seasons and doubles airborne allergens. As increasing numbers of individuals become dependent on daily antihistamines for symptom management, knowing about infrequent but dangerous side effects becomes critical. The FDA's actions to revise prescribing labels and over-the-counter warnings in line with a new guidance reflect a balance between transparency and patient protection and not discouraging therapeutic use.

"Meanwhile, patients should be alert," the FDA said. "If more information becomes available, we will follow up." This changing advice reflects the subtleties of long-term drug use—especially with drugs once assumed to be harmless.

For millions, Zyrtec and Xyzal provide invaluable relief from itching, sneezing, and congestion. Yet this new warning is a reminder that no medication is entirely free of risk, especially when discontinuing after extended use. Before beginning—or stopping—long-term antihistamine therapy, consider these steps:

• Ask your doctor how long you should remain on daily antihistamines based on your allergy severity and lifestyle.
• Be mindful of the risk for intense itching and the availability to taper instead of abruptly stopping.
• Inform health professionals immediately if you develop unexplained or severe itching when you stop your allergy medication.
• Check for new Drug Facts labels on OTC medications and examine prescribing labels on prescription forms.

Though serious post-discontinuation pruritus is uncommon, vigilance equips patients and doctors alike to proceed with allergy treatment knowing what to expect. As manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and medical professionals work together to update safety information, individuals are enabled to make well-informed decisions—so relief from summer discomfort does not yield to an unwanted and unpleasant reaction.

What if, instead of killing mosquitoes to stop malaria, we simply cured them? Harvard scientists have come up with a unique solution—giving mosquitoes anti-malarial drugs could turn these notorious disease-carriers into harmless biters. Malaria—a parasitic disease spread by female mosquitoes—causes nearly 600,000 deaths annually, most of them in children. Traditional prevention efforts have focused on insecticide-coated bed nets, which work by creating a physical barrier and killing mosquitoes that land on them. Many more solutions have emerged in modern times, but the latest proposal asks for curing and not killing the mosquitoes.

What Is Malaria?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites that are transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Common symptoms include high fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and fatigue. In some cases, especially when untreated, malaria can cause severe complications such as organ failure, difficulty breathing, or even death. The symptoms typically appear 10 to 15 days after being bitten and can resemble those of the flu, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.

Scientists Identify Two Drugs That Kill Malaria Parasites

To address the lowering resistance to drugs, Harvard researchers tested a variety of drugs on malaria-infected mosquitoes and identified two that kill all parasites when absorbed through the insect's legs. The idea is to add these drugs to bed nets, so even if a mosquito survives contact, it will no longer be able to spread malaria. Study co-author Alexandra Probst calls the research, published in the journal Nature, a novel approach, noting that the malaria parasite is less likely to develop resistance to these drugs due to the limited number found in each mosquito compared to an infected human.

Lab results look promising: The drug treatment lasts up to a year on treated materials, potentially making it a durable and cost-effective alternative to current methods. The next phase—testing these drug-coated nets in real-world conditions—will begin in Ethiopia. Results aren't expected for at least six years, but the hope is to eventually combine both drugs and insecticides on nets, providing a two-pronged strategy against malaria transmission. "Malaria control desperately needs innovation," says study co-author Flaminia Catteruccia in a release. "This is a momentous step forward in the development of a new mosquito-targeted malaria control strategy."

Here's How You Can Identify Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes. It is mostly found in tropical countries and is preventable and curable. The infection is caused by a parasite and does not spread from person to person. Symptoms can be mild or life-threatening.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mild symptoms include fever, chills and headache. Severe symptoms include fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Infants, children under 5 years, pregnant women and girls, travellers and people with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk of severe infection.

ALSO READ: 2nd Covid Death In Bengaluru As Man With Chronic Conditions Dies; How Comorbidities Make Infection More Dangerous

A new spike of COVID-19 fear has emerged in some areas of India, after the death of an 84-year-old man with serious comorbidities in Bengaluru. The second confirmed COVID death in the city is sparking alarm bells despite low official case numbers.

The patient, who hailed from Whitefield, was hospitalised on May 13 after complications arising from diabetes. He died on May 17. A routine test for COVID-19 during the course of hospitalisation came back positive a day later, confirming his infection. Health authorities say that even though the virus may not have caused his death directly, it had compounded his existing health issues, pushing his life into a fatal downward trend.

With a matching fatality reported recently in Maharashtra's Thane district, this surge has health authorities on high alert, especially for high-risk groups like the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Despite these isolated incidents, Karnataka’s overall COVID-19 figures remain modest. The state’s health department has reported 38 active cases, with 32 confined to Bengaluru. While this doesn’t indicate a full-scale resurgence, experts emphasize the importance of monitoring trends, especially among immunocompromised individuals.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao spoke to concerns from the public in a press conference, seeking to remain calm while assuring readiness on behalf of the government. "I appeal to everyone not to panic. Life can go on as normal," Rao said. "We are monitoring the situation closely and are ready to respond if need be."

Till now, no lockdowns or movement restrictions are on the cards. Local authorities in Karnataka and Maharashtra, however, have increased advisories around preventive measures particularly for persons in high-risk groups.

Why COVID-19 Precautions Need to Come Back?

As sporadic cases are reported throughout different Indian states, a sense of guarded optimism has crept back in. Health officials are promoting ongoing use of face masks in public areas, regular hand hygiene, and early medical evaluation for flu-like illness.

Hospitals have also been instructed to remain alert and report any unexpected rise in hospitalization that could indicate a local surge in COVID-19 or its complications.

For the time being, the situation is in hand. Yet the Bengaluru and Thane fatalities demonstrate again the chronic exposure of those with underlying medical conditions — a constant theme that continues to be applicable everywhere.

Perhaps the most important lesson of the pandemic has been the dire effects of COVID-19 on people with pre-existing medical conditions. Comorbidities, which describe the presence of one or more chronic diseases in addition to a primary diagnosis, greatly enhance the risk of adverse outcomes.

In the Bengaluru man's case, diabetes was the predominant complicating factor. Based on many studies carried out across the world — including the CDC and WHO — diabetes not only dulls the immune response but also disrupts the body's capacity to tackle infection, making it harder and generally slower to recover.

Why Do Comorbidities Worsen COVID-19 Infection?

COVID-19 targets the respiratory system but, in comorbid patients, it can create a domino effect. Chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and kidney failure weaken the immune system and allow COVID-19 to wreak havoc.

Let us discuss the most important chronic conditions that aggravate symptoms of COVID-19:

Heart Disease: Patients with heart diseases like heart failure or coronary artery disease are at higher risk. COVID-19 can overexert the cardiovascular system, making heart attacks or exacerbating conditions more likely.

Diabetes: Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes impair the immune system. Elevated blood glucose levels provide a perfect environment for viral infection to dominate and hinder recovery.

Chronic Lung Diseases: COVID-19 can be harmful to the lungs in individuals who have asthma, COPD, or pulmonary fibrosis. Patients have compromised respiratory function and, upon a second viral attack, acute respiratory failure.

Obesity: Patients with a Body Mass Index of over 40 are at higher risk. Obesity may limit lung expansion and oxygen flow, resulting in worse disease progression.

Kidney Disease: Those on dialysis or with chronic kidney diseases have particularly high risks since both immune systems and kidney function are impaired.

Cancer: Patients with cancer, especially those receiving chemotherapy or radiation, have weakened immune systems. They are less able to support a robust defense against viral infections like COVID-19.

What is the Biggest Health Concern?

Although the character of COVID-19 has shifted in recent years — with numerous strains gradually losing potency — the virus is by no means obsolete. For those with chronic illnesses, it remains a real and present threat. Health professionals nonetheless call for preparedness rather than panic.

“It’s not about alarming the public, but educating them,” says Dr. Anita Reddy, an internal medicine specialist based in Bengaluru. “If you’re managing a chronic illness, your priority should be maintaining optimal health and staying up to date on vaccinations, including COVID-19 boosters.”

Governments globally are also moving away from emergency responses to comprehensive disease management, focusing on resilience as well as normal care. Under this setup, individual responsibility comes into play — especially for high-risk patients.

Need for Proactive Health Management

The second death from COVID in Bengaluru is not an indication of mass crisis, but a reminder of the ongoing risk that COVID-19 poses for those already having underlying health vulnerabilities. Although community transmission is low, healthcare workers reiterate the need to be vigilant, not fearful.

For older people and those with chronic conditions, proactive care in the form of vaccination, ongoing health monitoring, and simple preventive actions can significantly lower the risk of severe consequences.

As the globe adjusts to a post-pandemic world, such narratives as this one reinforce a straightforward yet strong message: COVID-19 might no longer be the topic of major headlines, but for individuals with comorbidities, its danger is very much real.