A foot sprain occurs when the ligaments that cross the foot tear due to injury, notes Aetna's Intellihealth website. When the ligaments are torn, it's important to see your doctor to find out how bad the sprain is and if you'll need added therapy.
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Lung disorders such as pneumonia, silicosis, asbestosis and cystic fibrosis often cause the air sacs or alveoli to fill with fluids comprised of white blood cells, cancer cells, pus, proteins or blood. These substances are called infiltrates.
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Blood potassium levels are closely regulated since both high and low levels can have life-threatening consequences. A normal potassium blood level is typically 3.5 to 5 milliequivalents per liter, or mEq/L. The normal range may vary slightly among testing laboratories, however.
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In epilepsy, abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes seizures, according to the Mayo Clinic. The diagnosis of epilepsy is given when there are two or more seizures; epilepsy can be treated with medication or with surgical procedures.
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Preparation H, an over-the-counter remedy for hemorrhoids, comes in a variety of formulations including those that contain hydrocortisone, creams, suppositories and wipes. The product works by shrinking the hemorrhoid as well as reducing irritation and discomfort, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
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Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in the penicillin class of antibiotics that has a somewhat broader spectrum of effectiveness, meaning that it is effective against more kinds of bacteria.
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Surgical removal of the thyroid gland, also known as a thyroidectomy, is typically performed to treat an overactive thyroid or thyroid tumors. This procedure is generally safe, but, as with any surgical procedure, complications may occur.
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Viral gastroenteritis is commonly called the stomach flu or stomach virus. Many different viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis, including the rotaviruses, noroviruses, adenoviruses, sapoviruses and astroviruses.
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Intestinal parasites such as parasitic worms infect more than one-fourth of the world's population, according to the World Health Organization. These infections result in disease, disability and death.
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Venipuncture is a procedure involving the puncture of a vein for the purposes of collecting blood or administering intravenous (IV) therapy and IV drugs. A phlebotomist or other health care provider will apply a tourniquet above the intended area of the venipuncture.
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The taste of fresh garlic flavors foods in a way that jarred garlic can't begin to match. Unpeeled garlic stores in a cool, dark, dry, well-ventilated location for three to five months, says food safety specialist Linda Harris of the University of California-Davis, but peeled garlic cloves will spoil faster.
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Maggots are the worm-like larvae of flies. According to the textbook, "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology," the term is most commonly applied to housefly and blowfly larvae.
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Sore in the mouth, fever and blisters either in or around the mouth or on other parts of the body can cause extreme discomfort and difficulty eating or drinking.
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A variety of factors can affect the look or odor of your urine. Sometimes your urine can give indications that you have other health problems, such as dehydration, liver disorders, urinary tract infections or potential toxins that are in your body.
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Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a digestive disorder that affects about 20 percent of adults in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders.
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Clogged arteries, medically known as arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis, refers to a condition in which fatty substances called cholesterol build up in your blood vessel walls.
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Headache is a general term to describe any pain felt in the head, scalp or neck region, but not all headaches are alike. The International Headache Society developed a headache classification system for doctors to use as a diagnostic tool to help them determine the most effective course of treatment.
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Protein supplements can help you reach your fitness goals by replacing depleted proteins and assisting in muscle growth and repair. No matter how beneficial they are, though, you don't want to put up with digestion problems every time you drink your shake -- that might be two or three times per day for some people.
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Hormonal control of ovulation has been available to women since the early 1960s with the introduction of “the pill.” Initially, dosages of estrogen and progesterone were available only in pill form, but in 2011 they are offered as injections, patches and implants.
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While certain groups are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, such as the elderly and those of African American descent, it can effect anyone at any age.
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