For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
Water pills, also known as diuretics, are medications designed to reduce the amount of water and sodium in the body. They are used for a variety of conditions, including swelling due to fluid build-up, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, glaucoma and certain kidney or liver diseases.
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Alcohol abuse has many serious effects on a person's health, but the liver often bears the brunt of the damage. The liver is responsible for filtering alcohol and other toxins from the bloodstream. In people who consume excessive amounts of alcohol, the liver can be damaged because of the heavy workload.
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Calcium is vital for cells to function properly, and to strengthen bones and teeth. Hypocalcemia describes the condition of too-low blood calcium; it most often results when the body loses too much calcium through urine, or when the bones are not moving enough to the blood.
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The soleus and gastrocnemius are two of the muscles in your calves and are heavily involved in many of the exercises you perform each day. An adequate fitness program will incorporate stretching because it increases flexibility, improves circulation and range of motion, and reduces muscle stress.
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A red, itchy rash on the hands can be enough to ruin your day. The itchiness is bothersome and distracting, and its location on the hands means the skin is constantly exposed.
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Alcoholics who suddenly stop drinking or go too long without a drink can experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those of a drug addict. In severe cases, the withdrawal symptoms can cause significant mental and neurological changes or impairments, a condition called delirium tremens, or DT.
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When you notice changes in your body, you may wonder whether it's anything serious or something that will resolve on its own. It's also normal to wonder whether the symptoms you develop are related.
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Diarrhea is common in young children and can have many causes, including viral and bacterial infections that are easily spread by kids. Most cases of diarrhea are not serious, but they do need to run their course. Unfortunately, this can take up to a week, depending on the cause.
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Surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids is one of the most commonly performed operations in the United States. In many cases, having them removed can help prevent throat and ear infections, the National Library of Medicine reports.
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Minor cuts and scrapes are a part of life. Administering proper first aid when you are wounded helps prevent infections and minimize the risk of scarring. Most skin wounds can be treated simply at home and do not require a trip to the doctor or emergency room, according to MayoClinic.com.
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The pain of kidney stones -- painful mineral deposits in the urinary system -- often can be enough to make you hang up your running shoes until the stone passes. However, you don't necessarily have to give up exercise until you're feeling better.
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Ear pain can be bothersome and disruptive, especially at night or when you are trying to sleep. Many medical conditions can cause an earache. The most common cause is an earache, but swimmer's ear, sinus infections, a sore throat and impacted ear wax all can cause ear pain as well, according to MedlinePlus.
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Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal skin infection, not a parasitic worm. The name actually refers to the appearance of the infection, which often seems to form a red ring on the affected skin.
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