An intrauterine device, or IUD, is a long-term form of contraception. The small, T-shaped device is placed into the uterus by a health-care provider to prevent pregnancy. An IUD is a highly effective method of birth control that can remain in place for 3 to 10 years and is reversible upon removal.
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A pulse oximeter is a medical device that measures heart rate and the oxygen level in the blood, expressed as the percent of oxygen saturation. Pulse oximeters operate by shining light through the skin to the blood vessels below.
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Blood carries oxygen to every cell in your body to allow them to live and function properly. Low blood oxygen levels -- known as hypoxemia -- typically refer to an oxygen level in your arteries less than 80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
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Causes of a nighttime cough can vary from minor infections like a cold to more serious problems like asthma. A nighttime cough lasting more than 4 weeks is considered chronic and should be evaluated by a doctor.
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Carbon dioxide, a byproduct of metabolism, is carried in the blood to the lungs, where it is exhaled into the atmosphere. A high level of carbon dioxide in the blood, called hypercapnia, is usually accompanied by an increase in breathing to help return levels to normal.
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Beer, one of the world's oldest beverages, is produced by a brewing process that uses yeast to ferment sugars from a starch, such as barley or wheat, to create alcohol. Although it's rare, some people do experience allergic reactions after drinking beer. According to research published in 2012 in the journal "Allergy,"
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The symptoms of seasonal allergies -- excessive mucus production, runny nose and congestion -- are caused by allergens, such as pollens or molds. Seasonal allergies do not directly cause swollen lymph nodes.
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Your resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when it is at rest -- when you are calm and relaxed. Resting heart rate varies from person to person, but according to the American Heart Association, the normal range is 60 to 100 beats per minute.
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Toddlers are prone to stomach upset, due in part to the immaturity of their digestive system. Acid reflux -- the backward flow of stomach contents into the food pipe, or esophagus -- is very common and usually harmless in infants.
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Most white lines on nails are harmless and should be of no concern. However, if you have similar lines on many nails or a pair of lines that runs all the way across the nail, these could be an indication of a more serious underlying condition.
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Progesterone is an important hormone in fertility and pregnancy and is sometimes called the hormone of pregnancy. It plays a vital role in developing and maintaining a healthy placenta and fetus, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Coffee, in all its many forms, is enjoyed by 83 percent of American adults, according to a 2013 report from the National Coffee Association. The potential health benefits of coffee have drawn the attention of researchers, the media and the public.
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Sucrose is the chemical name for table sugar. It consists of a combination of glucose and fructose and is usually obtained from sugar cane or sugar beets. A solution is a liquid, usually water, with a solid dissolved in it.
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