For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
Your body's metabolism depends on the amount of certain hormones in your body. The thyroid gland is located in the neck, and when active, it releases thyroid hormone that boosts the metabolism and also regulates body temperature.
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Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that penetrates deep into your pores. It is frequently used in acne and anti-aging products because it can break down lipids while smoothing the skin. Salicylic acid can remove dead skin and may reduce hyper-pigmentation and fine lines over time.
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Bronchiolitis is swelling and excess mucus in the bronchioles, which lead into your baby's lungs. Pneumonia is an infection inside the lungs. The only way to be certain of your child’s illness is by making a doctor’s appointment.
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Coffee is a popular pick-me-up and morning drink for many people. If you have diabetes and are watching your blood glucose levels, you should be thoughtful about adding sugar and creamer to your coffee. Both of these items can increase your blood sugar level.
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Although honey is composed primarily of sugar, unlike table sugar it contains constituents that benefit liver health in a variety of ways, some of which may come as a surprise.
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Blueberries are a popular berry used in desserts, cereals and as a healthy snack, but for some people eating blueberries can cause severe abdominal pain. Severe abdominal pain is an alarming symptoms that will need to be evaluated by your family doctor or gastroenterologist.
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Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by numerous motor ticks lasting longer than one year. According to the National Tourette Syndrome Association, involuntary frequent, rapid and repetitive ticks of the muscles located in the arms, legs, face or trunk are usually the first symptoms to develop.
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Kava, or Piper methysticum, is a plant root frequently used to lessen anxiety. It is well-known in South Pacific cultures as a ceremonial drink. Kava has become a controversial botanical remedy due to reports of potentially serious side effects, including liver damage.
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Muscle tension, racing thoughts and nervousness are common symptoms of anxiety that make it difficult to relax. Although relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation can be effective, they may not work for everyone. Over-the-counter supplements are available to help alleviate anxiety.
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The arch of your foot is the curved portion of the inside of each of your feet. The arch usually starts just below the ball of the foot and the toes and extends to the heel. The width and length of the arch varies, but your arches should be about the same size and shape on both feet.
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Purines are substances present in most foods. When your body metabolizes purines during digestion, it forms a waste product called uric acid. Usually the kidneys can eliminate uric acid without difficulty, but in some people, the body makes too much or the kidneys eliminate too little.
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Warfarin, also known by the brand name Coumadin, is a medication prescribed to treat individuals at risk for blood clot formation. This drug decreases vitamin K activity, which then reduces your body's ability to quickly form blood clots.
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A food allergy is a mistake of the immune system, according to Kids Health. The immune system protects the body from harmful substances, such as viruses and bacteria. During a food allergy reaction, the immune system mistakes the food as a harmful substance and attempts to fight it off.
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Lisinopril is a medication in a class of drugs known as angiotensin converting enzyme, or ACE inhibitors. According to PubMed Health, lisinopril works by decreasing certain chemicals in the body that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly and the heart can pump blood more efficiently.
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One of the oldest systems of medicine is India's traditional system of Ayurveda, which has been handed down by word of mouth and through ancient texts. The Ayurvedic medical system emphasizes the use of herbs to improve health and treat ailments and diseases (1).
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Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a class of drugs known as diuretics that are prescribed to combat fluid retention and to lower blood pressure.
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Humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. This process sounds simple, but the details are actually quite complex. During the process of breathing, humans convert sugar into energy. Carbon dioxide is a waste product of this process.
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Proper circulation is essential for general health and well-being. Healthy arteries and blood vessels carry essential nutrients and oxygen to tissues and organs throughout the body. Certain natural supplements can strengthen blood vessels and promote healthy circulation.
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People with celiac disease must avoid gluten, which is the protein of wheat, rye, barley and some other grains. Gluten is found in many traditional snack foods, including some brands of crackers, chips, candy and baked goods.
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Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood. This slightly yellow fluid is made up of 90 percent water, according to the Franklin Institute. Although often thought of as less important than the cells of the blood that carry oxygen and provide immunity, the plasma is equally important.
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