For patients and caregivers, understanding clinical progression, diagnostic imaging results, and pharmacological treatment options is vital for managing acute and chronic health conditions.
Skin cancer, the most common type of cancer, results from the abnormal and uncontrollable growth of skin cells. Skin cancers can affect many parts of the body, such as the trunk, legs, arms and face and most often affect areas exposed to the sun.
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Headache is a general term to describe any pain felt in the head, scalp or neck region, but not all headaches are alike. The International Headache Society developed a headache classification system for doctors to use as a diagnostic tool to help them determine the most effective course of treatment.
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Seizures occur when a group of nerves in the brain suddenly produce a surge of electrochemical impulses. This surge in brain activity interrupts normal functions resulting in symptoms thatoften mimic a stroke.
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Beta blocker drugs are also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents. They work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine (also called adrenaline) on beta receptors, which are molecules that receive signals from the nerves.
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The human body requires three types of macronutrients – those nutrients needed in large amounts, including carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Although all macromolecules consist of oxygen, hydrogen and carbon, the amino acids that make up proteins contain between 15 and 25 percent nitrogen and some contain sulfur.
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Milk contains water, proteins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates (lactose is the milk sugar). Those who are allergic to milk have a reaction to the proteins, which in cow’s milk are whey found in the liquid portion and casein found in the solid or curd portion.
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A peptic ulcer describes an open sore or lesion found on the lining of the digestive tract. Peptic ulcers can occur on the lining of the stomach, known as gastric ulcers, or the lining of the upper portion of the small intestine, known as a duodenal ulcer.
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The immune system, which includes bone marrow, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes and the white blood cells, functions to recognize and eliminate foreign invaders. When the immune system fails to differentiate between foreign invaders and normal healthy cells, autoimmune disease results.
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Autoimmune diseases occur due to a malfunction of the immune system, causing it to attack healthy cells and tissues in the body. The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association reports that 23.5 million Americans suffer from an autoimmune disease, which is higher than the 22 million who suffer from heart disease.
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A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce a detailed picture of the brain and nerve tissues.
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The human digestive tract functions to break down food particles into smaller molecules the body can absorb through the lining of the small intestines.
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A runny nose occurs when the membranes in the nasal passages become irritated and inflamed. The irritation causes an increase in mucus production that leads to the runny nose and nasal congestion. A fever, defined as a body temperature greater than 99.
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Learn about the common medicines that can increase blood pressure, including NSAIDs, antidepressants, birth control pills, and decongestants. Discover how these medications affect your blood pressure and take steps to manage hypertension naturally.
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Your liver, one of the largest organs in your body, stores energy and nutrients, makes proteins and enzymes, breaks down and removes harmful substances and produces cholesterol.
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The heart keeps approximately 5 liters of blood pumping throughout the body, according to the Franklin Institute. Doctors can determine the health of the heart and blood vessels by measuring the blood pressure—the force the blood exerts on the walls of the blood vessels.
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Cerebral palsy describes a neurological disorder in which damage to the brain affects the ability to control muscles and coordinate movement. Most cases of cerebral palsy are classified as congenital, meaning present at birth, caused by brain damage sustained during fetal development or delivery.
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Meningitis, a medical condition caused by the inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, can be caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection.
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The gallbladder, a small sac located in the abdomen near the liver, serves one function–to hold bile until the intestines need it for digestion. The most common disorder of the gallbladder, the formation of gallstones, can lead to gallbladder removal.
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"Flu symptoms" is a general description for a set of symptoms usually including fever, chills, malaise, dry cough, loss of appetite and body aches. These symptoms are present in many illnesses as these are the symptoms that occur as the body’s natural response to fighting an infection.
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Blood pressure is the measure of the force of your blood against the walls of your blood vessels. Several essential minerals including sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium function as electrolytes, defined as minerals that help balance the amount of water in your body.
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