For most physicians, the practice of medicine is a balance of science and measurements, and the application of proven treatments. There are, however, those rare instances where conditions and treatments are discovered by accident and are outside the normal path of treatment. Concentra has compiled five amazing, surprising, and sometimes bizarre medical facts that could actually help save someone’s life:

1. Dogs can smell cancer and diabetes

According to a study conducted by Queens University in Belfast, scientists discovered that dogs could actually detect cancer by smelling patients’ breath. Additionally the study showed that 65% of dogs could detect a drop in owners’ hypoglycemic levels, indicating that a diabetic seizure was imminent.

2. Cell phones make you itchy

In October 2008, British dermatologists issued a warning about something called “mobile phone dermatitis,” a rash traced to the nickel found in the casings of cell phones and iPods. Several patients with nickel allergies developed a severe rash, appearing on cheeks and ears. Some even had the rash spread to their fingertips due to frequent tapping of the metal menu buttons.

3. Chocolate is 33% more effective in suppressing coughs than codeine

A study by London’s National Heart and Lung Institute found that 2 ounces of dark chocolate is more effective in quieting a cough than codeine, the narcotic found in many prescription cough medicines. Participants were given a capsule of Theobromine, a naturally occurring substance found in chocolate, and reported greater results in cough suppression than when using codeine.

Khan Note: Dark chocolate also contains a large number of antioxidants, nearly 8 times the number found in strawberries. It also helps to relax blood pressure and balance certain hormones in the body, in addition to its cough suppression benefits.

4. Cheeseburger causes woman to faint

A healthy 25-year-old woman, who regularly fainted while eating sandwiches or drinking fizzy sodas, was discovered by doctors to have a rare disease called “swallow syncope.” When she would take a bite of a sandwich, a ball formed in the back of her throat that caused her heart to briefly cut off blood flow to the brain.

5. Peanut allergy is transferred to patient via lung transplant

A woman underwent a successful lung transplant from a donor. Seven months later, she ate a peanut butter cookie and immediately developed an anaphylactic reaction. During subsequent follow-up, she recalled three prior episodes of wheezing and difficulty breathing after eating peanut-related foods. Prior to her transplant, she never had problems eating peanuts.

Khan Note: Food allergies are a serious problem for the 12 million Americans who possess some type of allergy to certain food substances. For some people this problem can be overcome by slowly adding certain foods into a diet. But for others it requires elimination of specific foods and immediate medical attention if they are consumed.

While the cases and treatments listed above are unusual and outside the normal scope of care, the majority of health problems that patients routinely suffer are easily diagnosed and treated in a low-acuity setting, like a primary care provider or urgent care clinic.

As the only national provider of urgent care services, Concentra Urgent Care offers skilled medical treatment for numerous ailments, including skin issues, seasonal allergies, lacerations, fractures, sprains, and strains. With more than 300 locations across the nation, Concentra is conveniently located near patients’ home or workplace and staffed with licensed physicians and medical providers experienced in urgent care cases as well as family practice and occupational medicine.