Disease Guide: Diagnosis, Symptoms & Clinical Treatment Protocols

For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.

painful neck

Cervical Traction Contraindications

Cervical traction is a therapeutic tool used to pull or separate the vertebrae in the spine. According to "Therapeutic Exercise: Foundations and Techniques,"

Read more →
No smoking sign

What Are the Side Effects of Nicotine Lozenges?

Nicotine lozenges are an over-the-counter medication used as a nicotine replacement therapy. These lozenges are a smoking cessation aid in either 2mg or 4mg strengths that relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms. People who have their first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking may prefer the 4mg strength lozenges.

Read more →

Top 10 Causes of Stress

According to the American Institute of Stress, stress has many different causes, which can vary from person to person. A situation or condition that bothers one person might not worry another person at all.

Read more →

Foods With Anticoagulant Properties

The American Heart Association defines an anticoagulant as a medication that prevents blood from clotting. Anticoagulants are given to people who are at risk for blood clots, people with artificial heart valves, and people with atrial fibrillation. Common anticoagulants include Coumadin and heparin.

Read more →
Woman getting eye exam with a slit lamp

Causes of Eye Hemorrhages

Bleeding can occur in any part of the eye, from the superficial external outer layer, the conjunctiva, to the lining of the back of the eye, the retina. Eye hemorrhages may cause no symptoms at all or cause total vision loss and severe pain, depending on the location.

Read more →
THC0021788

What Are the Symptoms of Shingles in Women?

One in 5 people will get shingles, and the chance increases with age, particularly after age 50. With odds like that, knowing the symptoms of shingles is useful information to have. Shingles represents a reactivation of a virus called varicella-zoster, the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Read more →

4 Things You Need to Know About Removing Ovarian Cysts

Before removing a suspected ovarian cyst, a gynecologist frequently requests additional tests, such as a sonogram and CA-125 blood test. The sonogram allows the doctor the get a better picture of your ovaries, allowing her to see the size of the cyst and its precise location.

Read more →
Hands mixing oats on table

Home Remedies for Itchy Hands

Itchy hands may be caused by a variety of skin conditions including psoriasis, poison ivy, chickenpox, winter itch, dry skin or eczema. Scratching your hands may feel satisfying, but dirt and bacteria underneath your fingernails can cause an infection on the skin.

Read more →
open beer cans

How to Get Rid of Acid Reflux Burps

Burping occurs when gas from the stomach is expelled through the mouth, such as after a large meal or a fizzy drink. Other than the disapproving looks you might get, burps are usually nothing to worry about.

Read more →
Mature Couple Toasting and Enjoying Themselves Drinking Wine, Focus on Male

Does Drinking Wine Raise Blood Pressure Right Away?

Research shows drinking too much wine raises your blood pressure. It raises your blood pressure right away temporarily, according to the Mayo Clinic, but repeatedly drinking too much can raise your blood pressure long-term. On the other hand, some studies suggest wine protects against heart disease.

Read more →
Asian couple reading menu at restaurant

Can Spicy Food Burn Your Stomach & Intestines?

Spicy foods can cause a burning sensation in the stomach and intestines, but they don't necessarily damage the lining. Learn how to eat spicy food without discomfort and understand why it affects people with gastrointestinal disorders.

Read more →
elevated view of a bowl of popcorn

Stomach Pains After Eating Popcorn

Popcorn is a whole grain, an essential food group many Americans lack. Whole grains offer valuable amounts of fiber and nutrients, such as B vitamins and iron. Just because popcorn is nutritious, however, does not mean it suits every person's diet. Pain that follows popcorn eating might stem from a variety of factors.

Read more →
stuffed omelette, Omelet with vegetable salad and Heart-shaped c

Diverticulitis Diets & Miralax

Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when an out-pouching of the gastrointestinal system, known as diverticulosis, becomes inflamed or infected. A diet change is often required, along with antibiotic treatment for acute diverticulitis.

Read more →
Young Man Enjoying a Drink of Stout in a Pub

The Link Between Niacin, Liver Damage & Alcohol

People who abuse alcohol may develop niacin deficiencies. Alcoholism is the leading cause of niacin deficiency in the United States, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Small amounts of niacin supplements may reverse deficiencies.

Read more →
Blood sample in test tubes with health analysis screening report

C-Reactive Protein & Gout

C-reactive protein is a compound found in higher concentrations in the blood when there is inflammation occurring somewhere in the body. Gout, a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the joints, can often be partially diagnosed by testing the C-reactive protein level.

Read more →
Young woman pulling rope at gym.

Can I Exercise With Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts commonly affect women during their reproductive years. While most ovarian cysts are small and go unnoticed, others may cause a range of symptoms -- from mild discomfort to severe pain.

Read more →
Healthy eating

Can Consuming Apples or Apple Juice Cause Diarrhea?

Your grandmother might be disappointed to learn that a study published in March 2015 in "JAMA Internal Medicine" failed to find convincing evidence supporting the old adage that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Nonetheless, apples can be an appetizing, versatile component of a healthful diet.

Read more →
Hispanic woman holding a glass of water and smiling

How to Cleanse the Lungs of Mucus With an Expectorant

An expectorant is a type of medication that is used to loosen congestion in your chest and throat to allow you to cough up mucus easier. The most commonly used ingredient is guafenesin. Taking an expectorant as directed can help clean the lungs of mucus.

Read more →