The human body can be a host to parasites, both internal and external. Some human parasites live in hair, while some simply find hair to be a convenient hiding spot. Understanding the symptoms of some of these common parasites can help you and your physician to properly diagnose and treat infestations.
Read more →
Fiberglass is a multipurpose material used in the construction of buildings, automobiles, fabric and sporting goods. According to its material safety data sheet (MSDS), fiberglass is actually plastic wrapped in glass composed of plastic. The fibers are strung together into a mesh, much like woven wool.
Read more →
Bulimia is a serious illness that involves cycles of binging (consuming excessive amounts of food) and purging ("getting rid of" food, through self-induced vomiting or other means). Symptoms of bulimia often go unnoticed, because people with the disorder hide their behaviors and usually maintain average body weight.
Read more →
Many women who take Depo Provera experience weight gain, according to Virginia Commonwealth University. Since this contraceptive only contains progesterone, which can increase your appetite, you may eat more than usual and then extra pounds can sneak up on you.
Read more →
Nasal congestion is a common ailment that impacts toddlers. Although it is not a serious health concern, it can be quite annoying for the toddler and parents. Congestion occurs when the nasal passages become inflamed and swell. The result is a sensation of stuffiness or full sinuses.
Read more →
Acne is a common skin condition that, according to WrongDiagnosis.com, affects almost 85 percent of people in the United States between the ages of 12 to 24. It is an inflammatory disease that is characterized by the appearance of varied lesions and blemishes on the skin.
Read more →
Acid reflux, or GERD, is an extremely unpleasant burning sensation in the chest and throat caused by the rise of stomach acids into the esophagus. There are many triggers that can worsen acid reflux, such as spicy foods, acidic fruit juices, caffeine and fried foods.
Read more →
Dopamine is a signaling chemical--a neurotransmitter--that is used by various cells in the body to communicate with one another. The primary places in the body where dopamine is used are in the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and in the blood vessels.
Read more →
If you're recovering from an appendectomy, the surgery to remove an inflamed or infected appendix, follow your doctor's orders carefully. Most people recover quickly and uneventfully, but there are things to watch out for. Look at your incision site often and pay attention to any signs of infection.
Read more →
Tapioca flour, or tapioca starch, comes from the cassava plant. This gluten-free starch can help improve the flavor and texture of gluten-free baked goods. Gluten is responsible for building the structure of breads and other baked goods, giving these foods a characteristic chewy texture.
Read more →
Raised, red spots on the skin can come from many sources. The spot may be a pimple, or it may be a boil or carbuncle. Determining the cause of the spot can be difficult, but you can use clues like the spot's location and size to help identify its origin.
Read more →
Cramps -- also known as knots -- are common in runners’ calf muscles. Whether your legs are cramping from barefoot running or regular running, the options for treatment and prevention are similar. It's often possible to remedy your cramps at home with minimal cost and effort.
Read more →
Tea and other caffeinated beverages purportedly lead to dehydration because they can have a diuretic effect. Some studies show that caffeinated drinks such as tea are just as hydrating as water when consumed in moderate amounts. Caffeine may dehydrate you if you consume 500 mg or more per day.
Read more →
Starch is the main form of dietary, digestible carbohydrates. The process of digestion involves the breakdown of a complex molecule into the simplest form the body can use. Once the starch molecule is broken down, the small intestine transfers it into the bloodstream, where it is shuttled to the cells that need it.
Read more →
Platelets are cell fragments that are present in blood. They help stop bleeding from skin wounds, ulcers and damaged and diseased organs. In healthy individuals, each milliliter of blood contains between 250,000 and 500,000 platelets, according to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Read more →
Through their transmission of diseases like malaria, yellow fever and West Nile virus, mosquitoes have been responsible for more deaths than any other animal in history.
Read more →
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are characterized by bacterial infections that develop in your urinary tract, which is composed of the bladder, kidneys and urethra, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Read more →
Different classes of cholesterol-lowering medications work by different mechanisms. Statins block cholesterol synthesis in the liver, while cholesterol absorption inhibitors decrease cholesterol absorption.
Read more →
Anyone can develop excessive sweating during a workout, no matter their fitness level. Excessive sweating during exercising does not mean that you are out of shape -- in fact it can sometimes signal the contrary.
Read more →
Menthol is a natural compound found in plants such as mint, peppermint and spearmint. It is added to cigarettes to enhance flavor and for its cooling and soothing effects. A 2013 report from the U.S.
Read more →