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 

Intended for listeners in the U.S. and Canada. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

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 

Intended for listeners in the U.S. and Canada. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

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

Intended for listeners in the U.S. and Canada. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

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

Intended for listeners in the U.S. and Canada. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

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.

In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths Podcast, Dr. Richard Schwab, chief of the Division of Sleep Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Pearlman School of Medicine continues to debunk sleep myths.  
 
The focus shifts from insomnia to snoring and sleep apnea. Dr. Schwab explains that snoring is caused by the vibration of the uvula or soft palate due to a narrow airway, often exacerbated by factors like alcohol and obesity. Dr. Schwab explains that while snoring is common, it is not normal and can be a sign of sleep apnea. In this condition, the airway narrows significantly, reducing airflow, oxygen levels, and associated cardiovascular risks.  
 
Dr. Schwab also discusses various treatments for sleep apnea, including CPAP machines, oral appliances, and surgical options like hypoglossal nerve stimulation. He emphasizes the importance of addressing chronic snoring and sleep apnea due to their significant impact on health and daily functioning.

Intended for listeners in the U.S. and Canada. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

In this episode of The Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we delve into common misconceptions about insomnia and sleep apnea with Dr. Richard Schwab, a sleep medicine expert from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Schwab explains how insomnia is a perception of inadequate sleep, which can vary greatly among individuals. He emphasizes that everyone needs sleep, debunking the myth that some people can function without it. 
 
The episode covers the role of exercise and diet in promoting better sleep and advises against using electronic devices before bedtime. Dr. Schwab recommends cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia and cautions against long-term use of sleeping pills due to their side effects. The discussion also touches on the potential risks and benefits of cannabis for sleep, particularly in individuals with chronic pain. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next topic: sleep apnea.

Intended for listeners in the U.S. and Canada. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

 In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we take a break from debunking myths to get to know more about Dr. Laurie Hess, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and the new Editor-in-Chief of the Merck Veterinary Manual. Dr. Hess shares her incredible journey in avian and exotic animal medicine, her passion for veterinary care, and her thoughts on being one of the few board-certified avian specialists in the world. She also recounts an early career experience involving a distressed monkey and an injury caused by a cat. Later in the episode, Dr. Hess emphasizes the importance of reliable veterinary resources in education and animal care, and encourages listeners to explore the Merck Veterinary Manual.
 
 Learn more about the Merck Veterinary Manual here: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/  

Intended for listeners in the U.S. and Canada. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDVETManuals.com for more information.

In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, our guest, Dr. Laurie Hess, discusses Bird Flu, its background, symptoms, and treatment. Dr. Hess, the new Editor-in-Chief of The Merck Veterinary Manual, shares critical strategies for preventing and managing bird flu, particularly focusing on the H5N1 strain. The episode highlights the importance of rigorous biosecurity measures, such as isolating new birds, monitoring visitors, and keeping pet birds indoors to reduce exposure to wild birds and potential diseases. Dr. Hess provides expert insights on avian flu while emphasizing the value of annual veterinary checkups to safeguard your birds' health.
 
 To learn more about Avian Flu, please visit merckmanuals.com. 

Intended for listeners in the U.S. and Canada. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we focus on Multiple sclerosis or “MS”. MS is characterized by disseminated patches of demyelination in the brain and spinal cord.  Dr. Michael C. Levin joins us for this episode and is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, where he is the inaugural Saskatchewan Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research Chair.  
 
 During the episode, Dr. Levin provides insights into MS and dispels the myth that MS is untreatable or a death sentence. Additionally, Dr. Levin explores the impact of MS on your everyday lifestyle,. the possibility of pregnancy for women who are experiencing MS, and why an early diagnosis is crucial to long term success with the disease.   

To learn more about MS, please visit merckmanuals.com

Intended for listeners in the U.S. and Canada. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.