For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
Fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis are potentially debilitating disorders that lead to chronic pain. Fibromyalgia is characterized by muscle pain and stiffness, profound fatigue and difficulty sleeping.
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Both melanoma and age spots can cause brown lesions on the skin. It is very important to differentiate these two skin conditions. While age spots can be a cosmetic nuisance, they are harmless. Melanoma, however, can be deadly. In fact, melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
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Insulin, a potent hormone released by the pancreas, keeps blood sugar levels in a healthy range. People with type 1 diabetes do not make enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. In type 2 diabetes, however, insulin levels can actually spike in an effort to overcome the body's resistance to its effects.
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Heavy lifting, poor sleep or a particularly tough workout can lead to aching joints, generalized body pain and fatigue. But these common symptoms may actually reflect a medical condition when they are severe and persist.
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When a heart attack or other condition damages heart muscle, a variety of proteins are released into the bloodstream including cardiac enzymes. Several cardiac enzymes can be measured by blood tests to help diagnose a heart attack. These include creatine kinase (CK) and a subtype of this enzyme called CK-MB.
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If an abnormal heartbeat has begun to interfere with your daily activities, your doctor may recommend a pacemaker. Pacemakers are generally inserted in people with very slow heart rates or with a condition known as heart block.
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Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is spread to humans by tick bites. In the days or weeks after a tick bite, early Lyme disease typically causes a rash and flu-like symptoms.
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Lung crackles are abnormal breath sounds heard with a stethoscope during a physical exam. Crackling in the lungs usually reflects a buildup of fluid, mucus or pus in the small airways. This is commonly due to lung disease, such as pneumonia or another respiratory disorder.
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Early HIV infection causes symptoms in most women and men. However, these symptoms are often so mild that they are overlooked or attributed to another illness. Here's what you need to know about early HIV symptoms in women.
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Bacteria and fungi are everywhere, but sometimes they set up shop on the skin and cause a rash. Warm, moist areas -- like under the breasts -- are more prone to these skin rashes than other areas of the body.
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Most people don't think much about their feet until they hurt or give you trouble. Burning and tingling in the feet usually signals nerve irritation that may be due to injury, infection or other medical disorders.
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Autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause a wide array of seemingly unrelated symptoms. Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus, is a systemic illness and can affect any organ system.
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Itchy skin can become a nuisance, particularly when the cause is unclear. Itchiness is usually associated with skin disorders, but it can sometimes be caused by an underlying medical condition. Infections, kidney disease, hormonal conditions and certain cancers can cause itchy skin.
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