For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
Kidney dialysis is used to replace normal kidney function when the kidneys have become damaged and no longer function properly. The kidneys help control the levels of certain dissolved minerals called electrolytes as well as help filter out waste products (metabolites) that are created by cells using energy.
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The gallbladder is a small organ located next to the liver. The gallbladder stores bile, which is made by the liver and helps the body digests fats. Gallstones and other disorders of the gallbladder can be treated with surgical removal of the gallbladder.
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According to the website OrganizedWisdom, when fecal matter becomes caught in the colon (a condition known as fecal impaction), the backup that occurs exerts pressure on the walls of the organ. When this pressure becomes too great, it can stretch the colon and ultimately cause small tears or ruptures.
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Heart ablation, also known as cardiac ablation, is a treatment which can be used for certain kinds of heart arrythmias. This procedure involves threading a catheter through blood vessels until it gets to the heart. The catheter can then be used to destroy any abnormal heart tissue which is causing the arrythmia.
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Histamine is a chemical which is made by the body and has a number of roles in the human body. Medications that interfere with histamine can be used to treat allergies as well as acid reflux.
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Herpes is a virus that can result in blisters and sores appearing on mucus membranes. Herpes typically affects either the mouth or the genitalia. Herpes usually causes its first outbreak shortly after infection, but the virus is never completely eliminated by the body, which allows it to cause additional outbreaks.
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LH is also known as luteinizing hormone. Luteinizing hormone is actually present in both sexes, and is made by the front part of the pituitary gland (also known as the anterior pituitary). Luteinizing hormone binds to the gonads and has its effects there.
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Water and electrolytes are needed for the body to work properly. These substances help maintain the balance of the blood and other fluids present in tissues and cells. If your fluid or electrolyte levels fall too low, you will need to replenish them. You can do this with oral solutions or intravenous solutions.
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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is marked by the formation of large, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) on the ovaries. This condition can also lead to infertility, obesity and abnormal hair growth (hirsuitism). Medications including Yasmin can be used to treat the symptoms and complications of this disorder.
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Liver cysts are small benign growths that occur on the surface of the liver and are typically filled with fluid. These cysts are often discovered incidentally because small liver cysts may not cause any symptoms and require no treatment.
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Constipation occurs when you go an abnormally long period of time without a bowel movement. Constipation can be caused by a lack of fiber in your diet, as a result of dehydration or due to certain medications. One treatment for constipation is magnesium citrate, a laxative that can be purchased without a prescription.
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The duodenum is a portion of the small intestine and is responsible for absorbing nutrients from partially digested food and passing along the remainder to the rest of the intestinal system.
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Progesterone is a hormone that women naturally produce after ovulation. It is sometimes called the "warm" hormone, because it causes a rise in basal body temperature (i.e., temperature when the body is completely at rest).
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Sinus and chest congestion can be very uncomfortable. They are often caused by seasonal allergies, but they can also be a symptom of bacterial or viral infections (such as the common cold or the flu). Sinus congestion can cause pain (including a sinus headache) and make it difficult to breathe through the nose.
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Having high cholesterol and high blood pressure increases your risk of developing cardiovascular problems, including atherosclerosis, a stroke and a heart attack. There are some over-the-counter medications and supplements you can take to help lower your cholesterol, blood pressure or both.
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A bone scan is a radiologic technique in which a small amount of a radioactive chemical, also known as a tracer, is injected into the veins. This tracer is used to help visualize how fast bones are being broken down and reformed.
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Your A1C levels are a commonly used indicator for diabetes control. Hemoglobin is the protein that allows red blood cells to transport oxygen. Glucose reacts with hemoglobin to form A1C; the higher your blood glucose levels, the more hemoglobin A1C you will have.
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The shoulder is a complex joint with multiple tendons and muscles surrounding it. Diagnosis of muscle and tendon tears within the shoulder requires tests that allow visualization inside the joint. Arthrograms and MRI scans are different tests that can be used to detect damage to the rotator cuff.
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Although some changes in vision may be a natural part of aging, blurred vision may be a sign of an underlying eye disease. One cause of deteriorating vision is a condition called macular degeneration.
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The first step for the formation of glucose from photosynthesis is the absorption of light. According to Estrella Mountain Community College's website, when sunlight hits an organism that can perform photosynthesis (such as a plant), one of three things can happen.
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