For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a condition in which the force at which your blood pumps through your arteries is too strong. This can be the result of an underlying medical condition, stress or a narrowing of the arteries.
Read more →
Attributing shortness of breath to old age is a common misconception and could be dangerous if it delays medical evaluation of this important symptom. Smoking and alcohol abuse increase the risks for conditions that cause difficulty breathing, as do the use of some over-the-counter pain medications.
Read more →
Men have far less breast tissue than women and consequently have a lower incidence of breast-related ailments. However, men can experience swelling, pain and cancer in their breasts. More common than breast cancer in men is swelling in one or both breasts.
Read more →
Hand-eye coordination is used in many daily activities. Pour the milk, fold the clothes, set the glass on the coaster. In sports, it's used from start to finish. Throw the ball, stop the puck, hit it straight, pass the ball, catch the ball. Each sport uses it in a different way.
Read more →
While estrogen is generally known as a female sex hormone. But a man's body also produces small amounts of estrogen, which is important for normal development and function of the male reproductive system.
Read more →
Lung crackles are abnormal breath sounds heard with a stethoscope during a physical exam. Crackling in the lungs usually reflects a buildup of fluid, mucus or pus in the small airways. This is commonly due to lung disease, such as pneumonia or another respiratory disorder.
Read more →
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig) are a form of protein. The body produces antibodies when antigens, which are substances that can cause damage are present. Parasites, bacteria, cancer cells and viruses are examples of antigens.
Read more →
Tapeworms enter the human body through consumption of contaminated food or improper food handling. The most common type of tapeworms are found in beef (Taenia saginata) and pork (Taenia solium). The medical term for tapeworm infection is Taeniasis.
Read more →
Concussions are common but often go under-reported. A statement from the 3rd International Conference on Concussion defines concussion as "a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biochemical forces." Symptoms of a concussion can be variable.
Read more →
Most operations require a recovery period, during which you gradually build up the ability to perform your usual activities. You may receive guidance from a physical therapist on specific exercises that will help restore your physical abilities.
Read more →
A growth near or under your fingernail can develop from a variety of ailments and skin infections. While many blister-like growths are diagnosed as minor infections, it is possible you are suffering from a more serious ailment, such as skin cancer. Consult your doctor for a diagnosis of your condition.
Read more →
Pineapple is a tropical fruit grown in warm climates and has a flavor that is both sweet and tart. Enjoying a serving of pineapple helps improve digestion by providing fiber and a certain type of digestive enzyme.
Read more →
Millions of people suffer from allergies. The triggers for an allergy attack are as various as the symptoms. A tingling sensation in the face might be the result of an allergic reaction. On the other hand, facial tingling might indicate a more serious medication condition. Your doctor can make the proper determination.
Read more →
Insulin is a hormone the pancreas produces that helps transport both glucose and triglycerides from the bloodstream into the cells. Glucose is the body's primary source of energy; every cell needs glucose.
Read more →
While the reverse crunch effectively trains your abdominals, it can be a painful exercise to perform for some individuals. The way the reverse crunch is performed plays a large role in keeping the exercise pain free; however, some people will require modifications to the exercise so that pain does not occur.
Read more →
Many women suffer from swollen ankles during pregnancy, but it also is possible to suffer from swollen ankles after you give birth. Swelling is sometimes referred to as edema and is caused by fluid and blood retention.
Read more →
Laxatives are substances typically used to relieve constipation in people unable to achieve regular bowel movements. According to the Mayo Clinic, normal bowel movements vary among individuals but generally range from one to three per day.
Read more →
Endurance exercise, such as jogging, swimming and cycling, increases your blood volume over time. Blood-volume adaptations begin after a single bout of exercise and amplify within weeks of training. Enhanced blood volume enhances your exercise performance and cardiovascular fitness.
Read more →
Any food can trigger symptoms in those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, but peanuts will not cause IBS or diarrhea, unless youβre allergic or have a food intolerance. Any time you develop gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea after eating peanuts, you need to call your doctor.
Read more →
Eye infections are commonly referred to as "pink eye" but the correct term is conjunctivitis. Simply, conjunctivitis means inflammation of the conjunctiva, or white part of the eye. There are three main types of conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial and allergic.
Read more →