For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
The time it takes to lower your cholesterol depends on a number of factors, all of which vary for every person. Most important is your understanding of the changes you must make, the guidelines in place to make them and why these guidelines are in place.
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Torn muscles, also known as muscle strains, occur when one or more of your muscles is stretched beyond its natural length. Muscle strains are classified as mild, moderate or severe, based on the amount of muscle damaged and the symptoms you experience. MayoClinic.
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Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin. It starts with a break in the skin and spreads into the layers of connective tissue beneath the skin and even the lymph nodes if left untreated. Treatment usually consists of bandaging and a prescribed antibiotic regimen.
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Stuttering is a communication disorder that affects around 1 percent of the population around the world. Many factors contribute to a stuttering problem, including genetics, another speech disorder, neurophysiology and family dynamics.
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Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder where the body does not use energy properly. One of the symptoms of diabetes is sudden and unexplained weight loss.
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Pepsin is an enzyme -- specifically, it's a proteolytic enzyme, meaning it helps digest proteins. Cells in the stomach secrete pepsin to help you digest the protein that you consume in food.
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As many as 33 percent of alcoholics develop alcoholic myopathy, a breakdown of the proximal muscle tissue, lead author Jose Nicolas of the University of Barcelona reported in an August 2003 issue of the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.” Proximal muscles are those found nearest the body’s trunk.
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Glucose is a type of sugar that is found in the bloodstream. Blood glucose is the main energy source of the body. Having a healthy blood glucose or blood sugar level is important to optimal health and survival.
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A lumbar hemangioma is a benign blood vessel tumor that grows along one or more vertebra of the lower back. This type of tumor is most frequently diagnosed in patients between the ages of 30 and 50 and may not cause noticeable symptoms, according to Scoliosis and Spine Associates.
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Many women experience fluid retention in the few days before their period starts. Fluid retention, which occurs because of hormone changes associated with the menstrual cycle, can cause breast tenderness, uncomfortable swelling in your hands and feet, abdominal bloating and weight gain.
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People often assume that once you get a crown, you’ll never experience another problem with that tooth. But a crowned tooth is as susceptible to the same dental ailments as any other tooth, as well as certain problems related specifically to the crown. These ailments and problems commonly manifest as a toothache.
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Moisture from perspiration, tight clothing, skin creases where chaffing can occur, and the normal proliferation of fungi and bacteria on the skin make the inner groin area a prime location for the development of skin rashes. Several types of rashes can develop in this area, with different characteristics and symptoms.
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Lumps in the throat that you can feel with your fingers from the outside of your neck can mean anything from a swollen lymph node to a thyroid cyst or a tumor.
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You can yawn for many reasons; a yawn often happens when you are bored or tired. While it was once believed that you yawned when you needed more oxygen, that theory has been disproved. Everyone yawns throughout the day; however, if yawning becomes excessive, it may be indicative of a serious medical problem.
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Human parasites live in or on our bodies and take their nourishment from us. By definition, parasites cannot live on their own--they use us as their hosts. A variety of insects, worms and single-celled organisms cause parasitic infections, which number in the millions annually in the U.S.
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The bones of the human body allow us to move from place to place and provide protection to other organs. Some bones also produce blood cells. Our bones produce over two million red blood cells every second. Scientists consider the skeleton to be composed of two parts: axial and appendicular.
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Turmeric and cinnamon are spices that add flavor to foods and appear to have health benefits. These spices are inexpensive, calorie-free and easy to find in most supermarkets and natural foods stores.
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Milk and apples have earned their status as health food because together they provide many essential nutrients, such as high-quality protein, dietary fiber, potassium and calcium. A good diet can help prevent chronic diseases, and a nutritious diet is even more important if you have high blood sugar.
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Fever blisters, also known as cold sores, generally affect the skin outside your mouth -- lips, chin and cheeks -- although they may also occur on the roof of your mouth or on your gums.
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A high-grade fever in children typically is symptomatic of a bacterial or viral infection. These conditions also can be accompanied by the onset of hyperactivity in the form of physical tics, seizures and mood disorders.
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