For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
Bland foods may not be appetizing, but they are ideal for an upset stomach. They allow your stomach and intestines to heal. An upset stomach is commonly referred to as gastroenteritis. The condition is common and has a variety of causes ranging from viruses to eating contaminated food to taking certain medications.
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Having an exceptionally dry mouth can be more than an annoyance: It can be uncomfortable and severe enough that even talking becomes difficult. Also called xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when saliva decreases substantially. The causes of dry mouth syndrome may be temporary or related to some underlying cause or disease.
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Chlorine is a nonmetallic chemical commonly used as a bleaching agent and to kill germs in swimming pools. It also is contained in products such as synthetic rubbers and pesticides. Chlorine is known for its yellowish toxic gas that is poisonous if inhaled or swallowed.
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A Sonicare is an electric toothbrush sold by the Philips company. A Sonicare uses a vibrating head that cleans teeth and gums. All models of the Sonicare come with the Easystart feature, where the power of the toothbrush increases gradually over your first 14 uses.
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The flank is the area on the sides of the body between the lower rib and hip bone, including the front and back aspects of the torso. It is commonly referred to as the side. Pain can radiate to the back or flank because of a problem in any of the nearby organs, or it may arise due to a neuromuscular condition.
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Cleansing the blood naturally may be helpful for building an individual's immune system, removing cholesterol and balancing the pH in the body. There are certain herbs, supplements and foods that may be especially effective in cleansing the blood.
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Mucus is jelly-like fluid produced naturally by mucus membranes in the body. Mucus produced in the intestines moistens the insides of the intestine and allow for the smooth and unhindered passage of fecal matter. Mucus in the intestine also protects the intestinal lining from potentially harmful substances.
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Anxiety is a relatively common mental health disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 40 million American adults are affected by anxiety disorders each year.
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The spine is composed of small bones called vertebrae that surround the spinal cord. Between each vertebra is a cushion called a disc. With time or trauma, the jelly-like center of the disc may shift and leak out through a crack in the tougher, outer covering. This is called a disc herniation or "slipped disc."
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Breast cancer typically develops when glandular tissue of the breast becomes mutated. The cells begin to divide rapidly, giving rise to unlimited daughter cells, evading cellular death and accumulating genetic mutations that help further drive cancer development.
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The Harvard Medical School Patient Education Center describes beta blockers as a class of prescription drugs used for a variety of ailments such as high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
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Cells within the human body contain thousands of genes, proteins and other chemicals enclosed within cellular membranes. Each cell responds to chemical signals from the body or the environment and modifies its behavior in response to signals.
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When a heart attack or other condition damages heart muscle, a variety of proteins are released into the bloodstream including cardiac enzymes. Several cardiac enzymes can be measured by blood tests to help diagnose a heart attack. These include creatine kinase (CK) and a subtype of this enzyme called CK-MB.
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Excessive fluid buildup around the heart, known as pericardial effusion, can be diagnosed on fetal ultrasound. Pericardial effusion can interfere with the heartβs ability to pump blood to the rest of the body, affecting growth and vitality of the fetus.
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Ringworm and scabies are highly contagious skin conditions that transmit through direct skin-to-skin contact. Both conditions cause distinguishing rashes and require rigorous treatment. Ringworm can develop on the scalp and skin. On the scalp, the rash usually causes bald, scaly patches.
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When working to recover strained shoulders, the first few days after injury are extremely important. Drink lots of water. When muscles are injured, they release toxins which build in the tissue to cause stiffness and pain. Water will help to keep the shoulder joint lubricated and flush toxins from the body.
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Depression is a debilitating mental illness that affects people socially and occupationally. Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness and irritability, thoughts of suicide, issues with eating and sleeping, trouble concentrating and fatigue.
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Guava is native to tropical climates, and crops are successfully grown in California and Florida. The sweet fruit comes into its peak season during the fall and winter months with the final stretch of guava season at the start of the new year. The USDA recommends having 2 cups of fruits per day.
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Chili, that deliciously spicy Tex-Mex stew, can be good, bad or indifferent for constipation depending on the recipe. Traditional Texas chili con carne, or chili with meat, contains no beans, few vegetables and only a little dietary fiber.
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In order to reduce the risk of long-term health problems, a goal of therapy in diabetes is to achieve near-normal blood glucose, or blood sugar levels.
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