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.

ginger tea with orange

Drinks to Lower Cholesterol

High levels of bad cholesterol and total cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Total cholesterol takes into account levels of both low-density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol.

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Nut and dried fruit mix

Do Some Foods Aggravate Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis occurs when small sacs called diverticula that protrude outward from the wall of the colon become inflamed. Common symptoms of diverticulitis include pain in the lower left abdominal area, fever, nausea, vomiting and constipation or diarrhea.

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Does Bleaching or Dying Your Hair Cause Hair Loss?

While bleaching and dyeing hair may cause your hair to break off at the root and fall out, this happens only in some cases. For the most part, the occasional hair treatment will not cause permanent damage.

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Period pain

Home Remedies for Bloating and Indigestion

Home remedies such as over-the-counter medications, herbs, relaxation and light physical activity can help to relieve an episode of indigestion and bloating. Although uncomfortable, these symptoms -- an upset stomach and gassiness -- are relatively minor and often respond to simple remedies.

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Eggplant purple

Purple Foods List

The American Cancer Society recommends eating fruits and vegetables of different colors—yellow, orange, blue, red and purple. Generally, the more colorful the fruit or vegetable, the more nutrients it contains along with cancer-fighting properties, antioxidants. According to U.S.

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L-Carnitine Side Effects

L-carnitine is taken as a body building supplement and as a means of treating carnitine deficiency, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While L-carnitine is naturally produced in healthy bodies, there are a number of illnesses that can cause deficiency.

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Exasperated man on phone at cluttered desk

Adrenaline & Cortisol

Adrenaline, or epinephrine, and cortisol, or hydrocortisone, are stress hormones secreted from the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. Though both chemicals are stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol play different biochemical roles. Adrenaline primarily binds to receptors on the heart and heart vessels.

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White blood cell

What Are the Causes of Low White Blood Count & Fever?

The body produces two main categories of white blood cells, granulocytes, cells containing granules suspended within their plasma and agranulocytes which have no granules. Neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils are types of granulocytes. Lymphocytes and monocytes are agranulocytes.

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Fit young woman against brick wall

Home Remedies for a Rash Under the Breast

A rash under the breast usually develops when the lower breast rests against the skin below. Trapped moisture, perspiration and friction between the skin of the breast and chest wall causes an inflammatory rash called intertrigo. The affected skin can become secondarily infected with yeast, bacteria, or both.

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Hip & Thigh Pain When Driving

Hip and thigh pain originates from the nerves exiting the spine around the small of the back. These nerves can become inflamed by pressure from bony structures or impingement from soft tissues such as muscles and spinal discs.

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Burned skin

Uses for Silver Sulfadiazine Cream

Silver sulfadiazine cream is a sulfa drug that kills bacteria and yeast organisms that cause wound infections, particularly in severe burns or where dead tissue may be present. Silver sulfadiazine is for topical application only. It is typically applied in a layer 3 to 5 mm thick.

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Blood sampling by an older man

Reasons for Elevated Platelet Count

Bone marrow produces platelets -- also known as thrombocytes, and releases them into circulation. These small blood elements are pieces of larger cells. Platelets interact with a group of blood proteins called clotting factors to form blood clots.

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close-up of a young woman with her hands on her neck

Acid Reflux and Throat Symptoms

When you've got a nagging tickle in your throat or a hoarse voice, you're probably not thinking of your stomach as a possible cause -- but it might be. You've likely heard of acid reflux and the typical stomach symptoms associated with it.

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Brown Corn Tortilla Chips

Foods to Avoid with a Corn Allergy

Diagnosis of a corn allergy means that your body cannot tolerate foods that contain any amount of corn. Since corn is found in countless foods and ingredients, managing the allergy can be a challenge.

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Olive Oil for a Dry, Itchy & Flaky Scalp

When the skin on your scalp is flaky and dry, it's tough to get through the day without itching and having flakes of dead skin fall on your shoulders. If your doctor approves, use olive oil as a natural home remedy to moisturize the scalp and prevent the flaking skin associated with dandruff and cradle cap.

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Long hair woman is shown tired

Advil & Caffeine

If you're feeling achy or have a headache, Advil and caffeine together may alleviate your discomfort. Advil is the brand name for ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug used for pain relief. Interestingly, caffeine also seems to have analgesic properties, helping to relieve pain.

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Plate with raw oatmeal on wooden table.

Oats & Thyroid Problems

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. Although small in size, it plays a significant role in your wellness by producing hormones that help regulate your metabolism, energy level, mood and body temperature.

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Hot Pizza

Can You Eat Pizza If You Have High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure affects more than 30 percent of all adults in the United States, according to 2013 information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Having high blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure and kidney disease.

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Should You Swim After Eating?

Most children at some point will have been given the warning by their parents not to swim on a full stomach. But parents may not always know what's best -- at least when it comes to swimming.

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