Gout is a type of arthritis in which excess uric acid crystals form in the joints, causing inflammation and pain. It often runs in families, and is especially prevalent in males over the age of 40, although women, usually after menopause, may be affected.

A tingling forefinger and thumb can be symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that affects the median nerve that runs through your hand and forearm. Carpal tunnel syndrome can worsen without treatment, hampering your ability to work and participate in sports or hobbies.

B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins that dissolve in water and play many vital roles in metabolism. Your body cannot store them; as such, your system excretes excess B vitamins in urine. Your liver is a multifunctional organ that you need for virtually every metabolic function as well as some hormonal functions.

Golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow and baseball elbow all refer to elbow tendonitis, which is the inflammation, swelling and irritation of the tendons in the elbow area, and can occur after participating in these particular sports. Elbow tendonitis is an overuse injury.

Inflammation of the appendix, known as appendicitis, occurs when the appendix -- a long, thin, mobile tubular structure attached to the first part of the large intestine -- becomes blocked by debris. Appendicitis is the most common abdominal condition requiring emergency surgery.

Major depressive disorder is characterized by a variety of symptoms. Some of these symptoms express themselves through an individual’s thoughts or emotional state.

Stretch marks appear virtually all over the body, with most instances on the back of the knees, thighs, stomach and arms. This is caused by rapid expansion of the skin, harming the natural elasticity that keeps the skin youthful looking.

There are many causes of facial flushing, some which should receive medical attention and others that naturally occur and offer no harm.

Penicillin is an antibiotic used to treat systemic (throughout the body) infections. Many people experience allergic reactions to penicillin. Billie Ann Wilson, Ph.D., Margaret Shannon, Ph.D., and Kelly Shields Pharm.D.

Trying to find the right over-the-counter medication to ease your toddler's allergy symptoms is often a daunting task. There seem to be a million choices: stuffy nose relief, runny nose relief, cough or any combination of these. How do you know what is safe for your toddler?

A "chest cough" is a type of cough in which congestion is present in the lungs. Pregnancy can be a state of decreased immune function and mothers-to-be are at risk for a number of infections. The worst of these is pneumonia, which can be fatal to mothers and their babies.

The liver is an essential organ for the function of the human body. Blood that leaves the digestive tract passes through the liver, which extracts and absorbs nutrients and toxins from the blood before it reaches the rest of the body.