For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
Cassava is widely cultivated as a food crop in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America. The starchy roots of this plant are used to make tapioca and many other foods. If cassava is not properly prepared, it contains toxic compounds that may increase your risk of developing diabetes.
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One of the main functions of the heart and blood vessels is to supply the body with oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood. The ability of the heart to pump blood out to the body, called cardiac output or stroke volume, is determined by three characteristics, according to the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
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There is no single, generally accepted definition for heavy smoking. A study reported in the September 2013 issue of the “International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health” defined heavy smoking as 20 or more cigarettes per day, or 20 or more pack-years.
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A colonoscopy is a lower gastrointestinal test used to examine the lining of the colon and rectum for abnormalities such as colon polyps, inflammation, ulceration, bleeding and colon tumors.
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Laxatives are over-the-counter medications used to help relieve and prevent constipation. These products work by creating soft or loose stools or by inducing a bowel movement.
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Amlodipine besylate is a medication in a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. It is prescribed for angina, a condition characterized by episodes of crushing chest pain, which usually results from a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle due to clogged arteries.
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Implantation occurs about six to 12 days after conception, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Implantation is the term used to describe the attaching of the fertilized egg to the woman's uterus, an important first step in the process of developing the fetus into a baby.
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Whiplash is the term for the sudden jerking of the head in one direction and then in another. Whiplash is most common experienced after a car accident, however rough amusement park rides or severe shaking can also cause it.
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Premenstrual syndrome is more of a grouping of symptoms that occurs in relation to a woman's menstrual cycle than an actual condition all on its own.
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Understand that post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the result of the inflammation of the skin. It is most commonly a result of the healing process in the skin. As skin tissue heals, cells secrete chemicals called cytokines that help cause new skin to form in the healing area.
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Thyroid disease affects millions of people in the United States, according to MedLine Plus. If your thyroid produces too much or not enough hormone, it can lead to problems ranging from weight changes and temperature sensitivity to cardiovascular issues.
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Inflammation is one of your body’s primary defenses against trauma or foreign invasion. Swelling, redness and other signs of inflammation represent part of an automatic reaction to a wide variety of insults, ranging from a minor scratch to a life-threatening infection.
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Most people find that fatty liver disease is "silent" -- it doesn't usually produce any symptoms you particularly notice. A given patient might feel a bit tired, or report a pain in her upper right side, right around her liver. But in most cases, she won't feel any adverse health effects from a fatty liver.
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Your body speaks volumes about your nutrition and health. If you are not getting adequate nutrients from your diet or if you are unable to absorb certain vitamins effectively, you may experience a sore, cracked tongue.
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Choosing food for a diabetic diet can be confusing, especially when it comes to deciding which starches you can safely consume. Diabetics are discouraged from consuming white flour because of its impact on blood sugar, but semolina flour may be permissible in small servings for some diabetic patients.
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You may not be able to enjoy foods that contain tomatoes because you develop joint pain and other symptoms. Tomatoes are considered by the University of Maryland Medical Center to be one of the most common food allergens that may trigger joint pain.
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Stomach pain after eating yogurt is not normal and should be evaluated by your physician. The most common causes of stomach pain after eating yogurt is lactose intolerance, which causes cramping, and a milk allergy, which can cause inflammation in the digestive tract.
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The most common site of pain associated with appendicitis is in the lower right side of the abdomen, between the navel and the right hip. Often, the pain starts out as an ache around the belly button and moves to the lower right side when the appendix is inflamed and its removal is necessary.
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The esophagus is a muscular tube that contracts in a wavelike manner during swallowing to help move the food and liquid you eat and drink to your stomach. Sometimes, the esophagus spasms and contracts, which can lead to choking.
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Besides the more publicized use of testosterone to increase muscle mass for weightlifters, athletes and body builders, testosterone is also given for maladies like hypogonadism (a hormonal imbalance resulting in low sex drive and low sperm production) in men and for birth control with women.
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