at the doctor's office

Boils & Pain Relief

A boil is a painful swelling that grows from beneath your skin. In many cases, you can employ home treatments or even alternative remedies to treat boils, but they’re sometimes so painful or severe that you have to undergo certain convention medical treatments.

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Cedar tree releasing pollen

A Pollen Allergy: Symptoms of a Sore Throat

A sore throat is discomfort, pain or swelling in the throat, according to MedlinePlus. A pollen allergy causes the hormone, histamine, to be released in the body, causing inflammation and irritation in the throat. Once the throat swells, it becomes increasingly sensitive and agitated.

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Acute pain in a women wrist

Causes of a Numb Pinkie Finger

Finger numbness can significantly affect your ability to perform daily tasks. Normal sensation allows you to type without looking at your fingers, and prevents you from burning yourself or touching a sharp object.

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Close up of an operation

How to Relieve Gallbladder Surgery Pain

Pain relief measures after gallbladder surgery vary according to the setting; the type of surgery performed; and the number of days since the surgery. Pain control in the hospital may involve intravenous or injectable narcotics while patients at home may take milder pain medication by mouth.

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Doctor with x-ray image

What Are the Effects of Tuberculosis on Lung Tissue?

Tuberculosis, an airborne disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the lungs though it can spread to other organs. More than 13,000 new cases of tuberculosis, or TB, were reported in the United States in 2007, according to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.

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Miniaturization of Hair Follicles

Only recently, scientists discovered that the miniaturization of hair follicles has a direct hormonal pathway with a genetic origin. Whether you are just experiencing hair thinning or trying to restore lost hair, knowing the cause and the treatments available can help you make the best decisions.

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Patient consulting a serious doctor

First Year HIV Symptoms

The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a virus that is transmitted via the blood and bodily fluids. HIV attacks the CD4+ T cells, which are blood cells that help the body fight diseases and germs.

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Man slumped at craps table, holding head (focus on table)

How Can I Help My Husband Stop Gambling?

Approximately 2 million individuals in the U.S. are pathologically problematic gamblers, while an additional 4 to 6 million can be considered problem gamblers, according to licensed clinical social worker Susan Gadoua in her PsychologyToday.com article "So You're Married to An Addict: Is Divorce Inevitable?"

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How to Stop a Cough From Post Nasal Drip

Postnasal drip is mucous that runs from the nose down the back of the throat, often causing a cough, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The purpose of mucous is to lubricate and clean nasal passages. Under normal circumstances, the mucous is swallowed without the individual realizing it.

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Pharmacist with pill bottle

Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections in Men

Urinary tract infections result when bacteria, such as Eschericia coli or the entrococci family of bacteria, get into the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections in males typically occur in older men, particularly men with prostate problems.

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Dental Checkup

What Causes Dark Spots on Human Gums?

Dark spots on your gums can be signs of harmless or deadly conditions, depending on its nature. Some oral cancers manifest as dark spots in their early stages. Serious gum disease can also lead to the existence of dark spots or formations on your teeth and gums.

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Close up of woman with headache

What Are the Side Effects of Metoprolol Tartrate?

Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is a medicine most commonly used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Metoprolol works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate.

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What Are the Treatments for Dehydrated Skin?

Dry skin can occur for many reasons. Sometimes, it can be genetic, forcing individuals to deal with the chronic problems associated with dehydrated, dry and irritated skin. It is common for dry skin to be sensitive and sometimes painful, often becoming flaky and itchy.

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Burning cigarette, overhead view, close-up

What are the Effects of Smoking on the Cardiovascular System?

Nicotine and other substances in tobacco smoke immediately affect the cardiovascular systems of smokers and those who inhale the secondhand smoke. Active cigarette smoking elevates the heart rate and blood pressure for up to 20 minutes after tobacco use, says the American Lung Association.

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Oseltamivir

What Ingredients Are in Tamiflu?

Tamiflu is an antiviral medication used to prevent the flu in exposed individuals. It is also used to shorten the duration of the flu virus in patients who have had flu symptoms for less than two days. It is available with a doctor’s prescription as an oral suspension or in capsules.

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Differences Between Strep A & Strep B

Strep A and strep B, or Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus agalactiae respectively, are closely related microorganisms with several characteristics in common. First, they both produce beta-hemolysis, which means the organisms contain hemolysins, which will lyse red blood cells in agar that contains blood.

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Trapezius & Neck Pain

Neck pain can be the result of tight trapezius muscles, and the trapezius may spasm due to neck pain. The trapezius musculature is is an inverted triangle which starts at the base of the skull, spreads over the shoulders and down to the mid back. These muscles are highly susceptible to overuse.

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Teenage friends in city

Pros and Cons of Giving Birth Control to Teenagers

As a parent, it's tough to decide whether to give birth control to your sexually active teenager. Even though birth control is a proven method for preventing sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy, some parents struggle with moral and ethical implications surrounding the issue.

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How to Soak in Epsom Salt

The health benefits of Epsom salt date back to their discovery in the English town of Epsom during Shakespearean times. Soaking in Epsom salt can reduce swelling, ease muscle and joint pain, and help your circulatory system function more effectively, according to the Epsom Salt Council.

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