Food passes from your mouth to your stomach through a muscular tube called the esophagus. A one-way valve at the junction of your esophagus and stomach normally keeps food and stomach acid from regurgitating into your esophagus.
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The skin of the eyelids is the thinnest of the body, making this area highly vulnerable to irritation. Eyelid irritation commonly provokes itchiness, which can be intensely aggravating and potentially vision-endangering.
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The bacterium Enterococcus faecalis is a normal inhabitant of the human intestine. In other body locations, however, Enterococcus faecalis can cause serious infections. The urinary tract, heart, bloodstream, abdominal cavity and skin wounds are common sites of Enterococcus faecalis infections.
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The gallbladder is a pouch-like organ located just under the liver; it stores bile, which is released into the small intestine to aid digestion. When bile becomes supersaturated, some of its chemicals come out of the solution as microscopic crystals. Crystal-laden bile is called biliary sludge.
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Grapes and raisins contain the sugars glucose and fructose, which impart the sweet flavor of these foods. The high carbohydrate content, however, may concern you in terms of the potential effect on your blood sugar level.
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NSAIDs, short for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are among the most commonly used medications in the United States. Available in prescription strength and over-the-counter, NSAIDs reduce inflammation and pain by interfering with your body's production of chemicals called prostaglandins.
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Bone marrow produces platelets -- also known as thrombocytes, and releases them into circulation. These small blood elements are pieces of larger cells. Platelets interact with a group of blood proteins called clotting factors to form blood clots.
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Coughing is a brain-controlled reflex that clears mucus and particulate matter from the airways. Nerves in the airways and chest connect with the cough center in the brain to trigger the reflex.
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The shoulder is a complicated joint formed by the convergence of 3 bones and multiple muscles and tendons that work together to give the arm its exceptional mobility. Overuse, injuries and arthritic conditions can damage the shoulder, causing pain that often extends into the upper arm.
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The bacterium Clostridium tetani is the causative agent of tetanus, commonly known as lockjaw. The bacteria most commonly enter the body through a skin wound. Clostridium tetani bacteria produce a protein called tetanospasmin or tetanus toxin, which attacks nerve cells, causing spasms.
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A dairy allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to the ingestion of milk proteins. Approximately 2.5 percent of infants and children younger than age 3 develop a milk allergy, reports the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
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Blood consists of protein-rich liquid and platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells, collectively known as formed blood elements. A complete blood count, or CBC, includes counts of the formed blood elements along with other measurements that help doctors interpret the test results.
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Hypothyroidism includes any medical condition that results in abnormally low thyroid hormone levels. Autoimmune disease, insufficient dietary iodine, surgery, inadequate stimulation of the thyroid gland and treatment for certain diseases can lead to hypothyroidism.
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Fatty liver occurs when triglyceride--a form of fat--accumulates within the liver cells. This condition, also known as steatosis, may lead to persistent inflammation and liver damage.
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Morphine is a narcotic medication used to treat severe pain. This medicine causes several gastrointestinal side effects, most related to the drug’s slowing effect on the activity of the stomach and intestines.
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Neuropathies are a group of disorders involving the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord--the peripheral nerves. Infections, trauma, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, genetic disorders, alcoholism and toxins include some of the many causes of neuropathy. The feet are commonly affected by neuropathies.
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Birth control pills, or oral contraceptives, contain female hormones that suppress ovulation--the monthly release of an egg from the ovary. Suppressing ovulation prevents pregnancy because without an egg, conception cannot occur.
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Sooner or later, it happens to most everyone — constipation. If you're looking for a natural alternative to taking a medicinal laxative, certain kinds of fruit can often relieve constipation by virtue of their fiber and sugar content.
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From the moment of entry into this world, bacteria surround you. They are abundant in all environments. Bacteria live on your skin, in your intestine and in many other body locations. The overwhelming majority of bacteria do not cause disease.
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Peanuts are a high-energy food containing an abundance of healthful fats, protein and fiber, as well as a wide array of vitamins and minerals. Your body digests peanuts with the same physical and enzymatic processes employed for other foods that contain a mixture of nutrients.
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