For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
Roughage, also known as fiber or bulk, is an indigestible compound that your body can't absorb. It is found in many fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. A high-fiber diet has many advantages, including bowel regularity and decreased risk of developing diverticulitis, high blood pressure and diabetes.
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Protein does not typically appear in the urine in detectable quantities, according to the Edinburgh Renal Unit. Proteinuria, which is protein excretion of 150 milligrams or higher per day, may indicate kidney damage, but it can also be the result of more benign factors, including dehydration.
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Topiramate is an anticonvulsant used to treat some types of seizures in individuals with epilepsy and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It may also be prescribed to prevent migraines and to manage an alcohol addiction. Unfortunately, weight loss, along with other gastrointestinal problems, is a side effect of the medication.
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Keratosis is a disease characterized by an overgrowth of horny tissue or tissue containing a protein called keratin. There are several different types of keratosis with varying degrees of severity including actinic keratosis, keratosis pilaris, hyperkeratosis, seborrheic keratosis and keratosis follicularis.
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If you were to look under the microscope at a sample of your blood, you would see scores of red, doughnut-shaped cells known as erythrocytes. Red blood cells number in the millions per cubic milliliter of blood and are the most numerous cell type in the body, according to University of Maryland Medical Center.
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C-reactive protein, or CRP, is produced by the liver as part of an inflammatory response. Your physician may order a CRP test if he suspects you have an inflammatory disease such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or to determine if anti-inflammatory medication is working.
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Most people experience no side effects or have only mild gastrointestinal discomfort when taking probiotics, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports. Since the bacteria can cause gas, you may experience very slight abdominal pain.
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The pancreas is a small organ tucked behind your stomach in the upper area of your abdomen. The organ facilitates the digestion of protein, fat and carbohydrates by secreting enzymes which, in ordinary circumstances, become active once they reach the small intestine.
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When your colon, rectum or anus is injured and needs a rest, your doctor may recommend a colostomy -- a surgical procedure that brings the large intestine to the surface of the abdomen so that waste can be deposited in a bag instead of traveling the rest of the way through the digestive tract.
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Stretch marks, also known as "striae," are discolored streaks or indentations of the skin on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, arms, legs and thighs. Often, they appear in the third trimester of pregnancy, but can be associated with other medical conditions.
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Upset stomach, also known as dyspepsia, is common in children. The causes of dyspepsia vary and may include viruses, stress, eating too much or any number of gastrointestinal problems. Take your child to the pediatrician to make sure his upset stomach is not a symptom of something more serious.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts physical activity on a spectrum based on heart rate and physical exertion. Light exercise is the lowest end of the spectrum, but is still good for your health.
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Your body is dependent on a mineral called iron for the transportation of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the body. If you have an iron deficiency due to a poor diet or a medical condition, you are likely to feel lethargic and weak.
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Roughly two-thirds of Americans drink coffee daily, according to a July 2015 Gallup poll. Coffee can stimulate the movement of stool through the intestines by promoting muscular contractions of the bowels. This short-term stimulation is not significant enough to cause diarrhea in most people.
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Gum disease is a common cause of what is frequently referred to as a "toothache." Swollen, painful gums are a source of considerable discomfort and might make eating, drinking and talking difficult.
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Keflex, or cephalexin, belongs to a family of drugs called cephalosporins used to treat bacterial infections. Before you take any new medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions.
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