For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
Spider veins occur when tiny veins below the surface of the skin congregate, causing red, blue or purple discolorations. Most common on the legs and ankles, spider veins cause no symptoms and do not pose any health risks.
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Insulin resistance is a condition that keeps the body from using the insulin that it does produce in a proper manner. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps the body use glucose for energy. In the form of sugar, glucose is the main source of energy for the body.
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Ear wax serves an important purpose by trapping debris before it can get further into your ear. But when you accumulate too much ear wax, it can cause discomfort and trouble hearing. With a little vinegar and water, you can easily clean out your ears and remove excess wax.
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Drug use is a serious problem and can begin early in life. Pot has serious risks and is commonly referred to as a “gateway drug,” because some people will search for more potent, more dangerous drugs after experimenting with pot.
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Glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) that squeezes the optic nerve fibers and causes vision loss. There are two types of glaucoma: open-angle and narrow-angle.
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Running is a moderate- to high-intensity activity that requires many systems in the body to work overtime to support the extra energy expenditure. Although this level of exercise has been proven to be better for you than no exercise at all, it may sometimes cause discomfort.
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An ulcer is an open painful sore on the lining of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum. Helicobacter pylori bacteria is the most common cause of ulcers. Other causes include regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications and ingestion of corrosive substances.
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A lesion, or sore, on a child’s tongue accompanied with a fever may be signs of serious illness. Several strains of bacteria, including staphylococcus and streptococcus species, are known to cause lesions in the mouth.
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Porcine thyroid glandular supplements are over-the-counter nutritional supplements that are made from dried thyroid glands of pigs. People take these as a way to boost thyroid-gland function.
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Adhering to a proper diet after a bowel resection is an essential component on your path to recovery. The bowel is a term used to collectively refer to the large and small intestines.
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You take extra steps while you’re breastfeeding to ensure that you’re supplying enough nutrients for you and your nursing baby, but some foods, such as raw eggs, may raise concerns for you. Completely cooking all foods, whether eggs, meat or seafood, can ensure that you and your baby do not contract certain illnesses.
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Prescription drugs like Lipitor have side effects and low cholesterol diets can be difficult to stick with. Apple Cider Vinegar, on the other hand, doesn’t have any negative side effects, and is easy to administer.
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Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that impacts a person's quality of life by causing abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, but does not cause any damage to the gastrointestinal tract (see reference 1 pg s2 column 1 under The utility of diagnostic criteria in irritable bo
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Inner ear circulation refers to the circulation of fluids and blood to the area. A disturbance in the circulation of either can lead to a variety of problems, including dizziness, hearing loss or head noise.
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Although a mild swelling of your fingers may be nothing more than a temporary nuisance, severe finger swelling may be a disabling condition. Infections or a buildup of fluid are common causes of swelling in the fingers.
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Acute diverticulitis is the third most common digestive system disease for which people are admitted to the hospital. Diverticula describes the formation of small sacs that protrude outward from the large bowel. Acute diverticulitis occurs when diverticula become inflamed.
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Coughing is a brain-controlled reflex that clears mucus and particulate matter from the airways. Nerves in the airways and chest connect with the cough center in the brain to trigger the reflex.
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Blood pressure readings over 120/80 mmHg, or millimeters of mercury, usually is an indication of high blood pressure. According to the National Heart and Lung Institute, an estimated 65 million people are diagnosed with high blood pressure in the U.S. and half are women.
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Dopamine and serotonin are chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters. Dopamine stimulates pleasure and alertness. Serotonin stimulates peacefulness and sleep. The levels of these neurotransmitters are indirectly related to mood, according to research published in the journal "Molecular Psychiatry."
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Psychiatrists prescribe Lexapro to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. Psychiatrists and physicians prescribe these drugs most commonly to treat depression. As with other SSRIs, various side effects can occur when taking Lexapro.
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