For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
Glucose, commonly called blood sugar, is one of the most ubiquitous of biomolecules in nature. Humans ingest glucose in several forms and use the molecule to provide energy to cells. Table sugar and starch are both sources of glucose.
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Pregnancy has many different physical effects on women; in addition to adjusting to the increased weight of a growing baby, their bodies also change in other significant ways. Blood volume increases, and the heart works harder to distribute blood. Hormone levels change.
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A brain cyst is a small sac that is filled with air, liquid or another type of material. Cysts are different than tumors, explains MayoClinic.com. A cyst is small, noncancerous sac. A tumor, in contrast, is caused by the abnormal growth of cancerous cells, forming a lump full of tissue.
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There is nothing funny about a toothache. Relieving the intense pain can become your one and only concern. Seeing your dentist should be the first course of action, but sometimes you just can't break away or the appointment isn't soon enough.
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The term lymphoma refers to cancer of the lymphoid system, which is a major component of the immune system. The body's lymphoid system is composed of several organs, including the spleen, thymus and lymph nodes, tiny organs found in the groin, armpit, neck and other areas throughout the body.
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Kidney stones are crystal-like concentrations of minerals that normally pass from the kidney in urine or else become lodged in the kidney and grow larger. The condition is fairly common, with 5 percent of Americans developing these stones at some point, according to Brigham and Women's Hospital.
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Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. Sometimes naturally occurring substances can be unsafe if their presence causes damage or disrupts natural cycles in the ecosystem.
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Constipation is a common symptom that occurs when you have fewer than three bowel movements in a week, or have problems passing hard stools. Many conditions, from medication to pregnancy to surgery, can cause constipation.
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If you have a left-sided headache, you may wonder if it could be due to something serious. Headaches are very common. More than 90 percent are primary headaches, meaning they are not due to an underlying brain disease or injury.
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A transient ischemic attack offers a warning, according to the American Heart Association. Symptoms resembling a stroke occur during such an attack, but subside. More than half of those who suffer a TIA will have a stroke, typically within a year.
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Coughing is a normal respiratory reflex that occurs when the mouth or throat becomes irritated due to foreign material. However, coughing that lasts for more than eight weeks is medically dubbed the chronic cough.
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For the 2009-2010 flu season, the Food and Drug Administration approved two vaccines, Fluria and Fluzone, for administration in infants six months and older. No vaccine is approved for administration in infants younger than six months.
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Intestinal gas can be due to many factors and is often related to indigestion or changes in diet. There are various symptoms of intestinal gas--most can be considered normal for the condition but some can be peculiar and seemingly unrelated.
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Lotemax, a corticosteroid ophthalmic drop used to treat dry eye as well as to decrease inflammation after eye surgery, is a potent medication that can have serious side effects on the eye in some people.
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Tooth extraction can be a painful process for anyone, but if you sing for your supper or just for pleasure, your ability to hit the proper notes will be impacted right after surgery. If you are concerned about returning to your former chanteuse self, your dentist will recommend how soon you can resume singing.
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Your hip flexors are the muscles that comprise the front of your hip; you use them when you bend your hip, run or kick. Your hip flexors are susceptible to pain or injury if you place excessive or repetitive stress on them.
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Echinacea and goldenseal are herbs frequently used to help boost the immune system and to treat the common cold, respiratory infections and the flu. Nursing mothers have to be careful of any medications or herbs taken while breastfeeding because many substances can cross into the breast milk.
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Pyrithione zinc is an ingredient found in many anti-dandruff shampoos. Your hair loss may be reduced by this type of shampoo if it is the result of a buildup of dead skin on your scalp, which can clog your follicles and inhibit hair growth.
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While ankle bruises are typically associated with contact sports such as football or soccer, they may also appear after activities that involve no contact, such as running. A bruise, also known as a contusion, is an accumulation of blood just below the surface of the skin that causes discoloration.
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High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition in which the force exerted by blood against your blood vessels is high enough to cause health problems. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases the risk of a heart attack and stroke. Fish oil supplements may be used to lower high blood pressure.
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