Bell’s palsy is a paralysis in the muscles on one side of the face caused by damage to the cranial nerve that controls the muscles in the face. Inflammation of the nerve may occur due to a virus, but often the cause is unknown. Most often, Bell’s palsy will resolve without medical treatment.
Read more →
Impacted earwax occurs when wax or cerumen builds up in the ear canal, often as a result of external objects, such as hearing aids, ear plugs or cotton swabs, blocking the ear canal.
Read more →
Gas is simply air in the digestive tract -- a normal and expected consequence of digestion. Most gas enters the body via swallowed air or is created as intestinal bacteria munch on food particles, and the majority of this gas leaves the body through belching or flatulence -- the passing of gas through the rectum.
Read more →
Male impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, is the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse, according to the National Kidney and Urological Disease Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). Male potency is usually easily remedied through the use of medication.
Read more →
For centuries, people have combined echinacea and goldenseal to restore health and battle a variety of ailments. Exactly how these herbs work is still a bit of a mystery, but some studies have proven their effectiveness for specific ailments and conditions.
Read more →
A wet cough is also called a productive cough because each cough produces mucus from the respiratory tract. Wet coughs are often seen in people who have asthma, bronchitis or other conditions that cause mucus and other fluids to settle in their lungs.
Read more →
Drinking a glass or two of alcohol daily raises people's good blood cholesterol levels, but numerous medical organizations do not recommend consuming liquor because it can lead to heavy drinking, which can ultimately have a negative impact on health.
Read more →
Recluse spiders--also known as violin spiders or fiddleback spiders, owing to the distinctive violin-shaped marking on their backs just behind the eyes--are one of the few species of spiders known to cause medically significant bites.
Read more →
Iron is a nutrient that's essential for several of your body's functions, from making red blood cells to helping fight off illness. Iron is naturally present in the food you eat -- it is found in some meats, plants and grains. It is also available in supplements.
Read more →
Including milk in your diet provides essential calcium and nutrients for strong bones, hormone production and other functions. While dairy can be beneficial, it might be harmful for certain people. Having bowel problems or an intolerance to milk may cause severe pain and cramping in your abdomen.
Read more →
Sore throat is a common symptom of upper respiratory tract infections, such as a cold or the flu. It’s not uncommon to also have varying degrees of hoarseness or to completely lose your voice. Viral infections are the most common cause of hoarseness, or laryngitis.
Read more →
Expectant mothers often worry about taking over-the-counter medications for fear of potentially causing harm to their developing baby. This may even include cough drops, which come in a variety of flavors and include a diverse range of ingredients.
Read more →
A goiter is a swelling of the thyroid gland in your neck. In parts of Africa, Asia and South America, the goiter is often caused by a lack of iodine. However, the use of iodized table salt has reduced iodine deficiency in the United States, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Read more →
Painful digestive problems that strike after a heavy or spicy meal can make you miserable. If you want fast relief, but don't have any over-the-counter antacids on hand, check your pantry for a box of baking soda.
Read more →
Food is the best calcium source, but you may need to take calcium supplement pills if you have trouble eating enough of the appropriate foods. Calcium pills are generally safe, but the NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Resource Center warns that the supplements sometimes cause side effects.
Read more →
Pain in the upper part of your back on the right side is most commonly associated with a problem with your gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small pouch-like structure below your liver that stores bile. Bile helps digest the fat that you eat in the small intestine.
Read more →
Hyperextension of the shoulder involves the rotator cuff muscles and the shoulder joint, also known as the glenohumeral joint.
Read more →
Advil is a brand-name form of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen. Like other NSAIDs, such as naproxen and aspirin, ibuprofen is unsafe to take with alcohol as doing so may lead to liver damage and disease.
Read more →
Anti-androgen medications block the male hormone testosterone from binding to androgen receptors and are, therefore, useful in treating prostate cancer, because prostate cancer cells require testosterone to grow.
Read more →
Most people's bones make up about 15% of their body mass. Heavier individuals have proportionately denser bones.
Read more →