For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are areas of the skin where pressure cuts off blood flow and circulation to surrounding skin tissue. The weight from lying in bed or sitting in a wheelchair over several hours without moving causes the ulcers to form.
Read more →
Nicotine, a chemical found in cigarettes, is one of the most toxic and addictive alkaloid poisons found in the tobacco plant. Alkaloids react with acids to form salts. These salts may be used in medicines. Nicotine is used in gums and transdermal (skin) patches to be used in smoking cessation therapy.
Read more →
The influenza virus, or the flu, is an infection that attacks the respiratory tract. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms of this illness are fever, chills, headache, cough, body aches, fatigue, nasal congestion and loss of appetite.
Read more →
Acid reflux occurs when acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus. People who get acid reflux also experience symptoms such as burning in the chest and abdominal discomfort.
Read more →
Caffeine can help you shake off lethargy and boost your attention levels, but using too much can result in some unpleasant side effects. In addition to coffee and tea, caffeine naturally occurs in the cocoa in dark and milk chocolate, and as an additive in soft drinks, energy drinks and coffee-flavored ice cream.
Read more →
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondilytis, is characterized by painful inflammation of tendons in the elbow. Any repetitive motion can cause development of tennis elbow, from tennis to typing.
Read more →
It may seem odd that you would only develop pain on one side of your body after eating, but if you have gallstones, you may only feel pain on your right side. Gallstones are clusters of deposits that form in your gallbladder that can cause severe pain in your right side if a stone becomes lodged in the duct.
Read more →
The cause of symptoms such as dizziness and feeling sick can be difficult to pinpoint. A plethora of culprits are possible. If you are experiencing these symptoms after eating, however, it should be easier for you and your doctor to figure out what's wrong.
Read more →
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux, is a chronic digestive disorder that causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. The acid irritates the esophageal lining and causes discomfort for the sufferer.
Read more →
Many people wear contact lenses for vision correction purposes. However, although contact lenses are simple and effective, and can eliminate the need for glasses, they can also cause problems if not cared for properly.
Read more →
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease for people who have not been vaccinated. It is caused by the varicella virus and generally strikes children younger than 15. According to the Mayo Clinic, the signs and symptoms of chicken pox arrive in three phases. At the onset, raised red or pink bumps appear on the skin.
Read more →
ADHD -- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- is one of the most common disorders of childhood. Its symptoms often persist into adulthood as well, and may negatively impact learning, work and home life. There are three types of ADHD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Read more →
Mucus plug, the excessive secretion of slippery substance produced by the cells lining the airways of the lungs, is a result of various respiratory conditions that exhibit mucus hypersecretion.
Read more →
The knees are subject to many types of mechanical and physical stress, which makes them vulnerable to several conditions. Four fluid-filled sacs called bursae occupy various sites at the front of the knee. These small sacs cushion knee bones and tendons, and reduce friction in the joint.
Read more →
GMO insulin is also known as synthetic insulin, or human insulin. It is produced with genetically modified bacteria, instead of the traditional method that produces what is known as pork insulin. In this method, sometimes called natural insulin, the pancreas of a cow or pig is used to produce insulin.
Read more →
Muscle wasting, also called muscle atrophy, is the weakening or loss of muscle tissue. Muscle wasting causes a significant decrease in muscle strength and the ability to move the muscle, according to MedlinePlus. In a healthy individual, muscle wasting can occur as result of the lack of physical exercise.
Read more →
Whether you've been diagnosed with type I or type II diabetes, chances are you're facing the same challenges: how to manage your blood glucose levels and reduce your weight. Fortunately, there are a number of easy, effective ways to manage both, and they don't require a lot of expense, time or energy.
Read more →
Blood is a highly specialized form of connective tissue composed of several cellular elements and a fluid element. The cellular elements of blood determine its categorization as red or white blood cells, or as platelets. The fluid element is known as blood plasma.
Read more →
Thrombocytopenia is the term used to describe a low platelet count. Platelets are blood cells responsible for clotting blood and preventing excessive bleeding.
Read more →
While ear infections are a well-known ailment, particularly in children, middle ear infections tend to get the most attention. However, inner ear infections are more common in adults, and because of the functions of the inner ear, infections in this area have the potential to significantly impact hearing and balance.
Read more →