Burned tissue or skin gets easily infected because the skin has lost its ability to protect the underlying tissues from microorganisms and debris. Fluids from blood vessels also leak onto the wound and cause the tissue to swell.
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Human growth hormone, HGH, affects development and healing. Younger children with low growth hormone levels typically fail to reach normal height and weight. Older adults with HGH deficiency often have difficulty maintaining body weight and bone density.
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Any patient undergoing a surgical procedure is at risk for developing complications afterward, including bleeding, infection, breathing problems and developing blood clots in the legs that can travel to the lungs.
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Diuretics refer to substances that facilitate ridding the body of excess fluids and salt. Diuretics work by making the kidneys excrete more sodium in the urine, which causes an increase in water accumulation to concentrate the sodium levels, resulting in urine formation and elimination.
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Over time, earwax buildup can cause pain, temporary hearing loss and even ringing in the ear (also known as tinnitus). In some cases the ear wax can become so thick that it is termed "impacted" and cannot be cleaned out using a cotton swab.
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Stool softening will relieve the pain and discomfort of constipation. When an person becomes constipated, her stools are hard, making them difficult and painful to pass. Some hard stools may remain in the rectal vault, increasing discomfort.
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Peppermint oil (Mentha piperita) is one of the strongest of the essential oils. The oil is extracted by steam distillation from the flowering herb and has many therapeutic uses.
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The smell of a freshly bathed baby can an intoxicating aroma for many new parents, and there are no shortage of creams, lotions and powders available to keep baby smelling sweet.
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Understand the potential epidural side effects and risks, including spinal headache, nerve damage, infection, and decreased bone density. Learn how to prevent complications and what to expect from this common pain relief treatment.
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The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 2.4 million adults in America suffer from schizophrenia, a group of severe brain disorders in which people abnormally interpret reality.
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Delusions are misguided beliefs that have no basis in reality, and people with schizophrenia often suffer from delusions as a symptom of their disease. Their disorganized thinking and impaired ability to interpret new information often lead them to false perceptions.
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Blisters, a raised pouch of skin filled with fluid, are typically the result of friction on your toddler's skin, but they're also sometimes a side-effect of severe diaper rash and other contact-related dermatitis. Not only are blisters painful, but they're virtual magnets for germs and bacteria, leading to infection.
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The pH scale determines the level of acidity or alkalinity within the body, as well as in food products. Ranging from between 0 and 14, 0 being the most acidic, 7 being neutral and 14 being the most alkaline, the body strives to maintain a certain pH level.
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Constipation can be an uncomfortable or even painful condition for child. It is a common problem, but may cause you and your child distress as you try to alleviate her symptoms.
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After labor and deliver, afterbirth contractions, a sore body and engorged breasts often make slow work of the recovery process. If you've chosen to breastfeed your baby, the potential for a strained neck adds more complexity to an already painful recovery period.
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Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical that carries messages between cells. It’s involved in regulating many everyday activities, including memory, sleep, mood, learning, movement and behavior.
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The pervasiveness of weight gain that causes people to become overweight or obese is a major medical concern. More than one-third of adults in the United States were obese in 2011-2012, according to a February 2014 report in "JAMA."
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When you're sick with a sore throat, the simple act of swallowing can be excruciating. Whether you're suffering from strep throat or the common cold, you can soothe your throat and make healing time more bearable by drinking lots of liquids, like hot soup.
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Stiffness felt throughout your back muscles comes from increased tension in your muscle tissue. The stiffness and back pain may occur in your upper back -- the thoracic and cervical regions -- or your lower back -- the lumbar region. Causes of increased muscle tension include trauma, overuse and poor posture.
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If you frequently get sleepy after eating food it could be a sign that you have hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia is not a disease but typically a symptom of another existing health problem.
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