Nematodes are small worms found in water, soil, plants and animals, and there are roughly 10,000 known species throughout the world. While some nematodes are free-living, others are parasitic and need other organisms (called hosts) to keep themselves alive.
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According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders (NIDDK), the thyroid gland makes two hormones (triiodothyronine and thyroxine) that affect the amount of moisture in the skin.
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A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a major surgical procedure that involves removal of excess skin and fat and restoration of weakened or separated muscles in the abdominal region.
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Called the “silent killer,” hypertension rarely produces overt symptoms and can be deadly if left uncontrolled.
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According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, pot (marijuana) is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States. The active ingredient in pot is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).
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Fluid on the elbow is a condition known as elbow bursitis or olecranon bursitis (or sometimes “popeye elbow”). The bursa is a lubricated sac located between the tip or bend of the elbow and the overlying skin. It helps reduce the friction between bones and skin, muscles or tendons during movement.
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Indigestion (also known as stomach upset or dyspepsia) is a common problem that causes feelings of fullness and bloating during and after meals. Indigestion is usually caused by stress or eating too much too quickly, though it can sometimes be the result of another underlying health problem.
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Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a parasite of the genus Plasmodium and transmitted by mosquitoes.
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Quitting smoking can be a challenge because of the physical and mental dependency people develop on nicotine, the addictive drug found naturally in tobacco.
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The spleen is a soft organ on the left side of the abdomen that helps to filter used red blood cells out of the body. Although humans can survive without a spleen, our ability to fight off certain infections may be impaired without it.
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Painkillers (analgesics) are available over-the-counter and by prescription, and are used to treat the pain and discomfort associated with injury, surgery or various medical conditions. There are two types of painkillers: narcotics (opioid analgesics) and non-narcotic analgesics.
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Inflammation, infection or damage caused by toxins or other physical or chemical changes can damage the liver and impair its normal functioning.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)–a chronic condition affecting the colon–and urinary tract infections (UTIs)–acute or chronic bacterial infections of the urethra or bladder–can both cause discomfort and lifestyle impairment.
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Extra Strength Tylenol is an over-the-counter pain reliever that temporarily reduces fever and relieves pain due to conditions like headache, muscular aches, arthritis, colds and flu. The active ingredient in Extra Strength Tylenol is acetaminophen.
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Bright’s disease is an historical classification of kidney diseases that today includes acute and chronic nephritis (sometimes also known as nephritic syndrome or glomerulonephritis). Nephritis is caused by an inflammation of the internal structures of the kidney.
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Platelets are cell fragments made by bone marrow that help the blood clot to prevent bleeding and help wounds to heal. While high platelet count can be due to underlying infection, it may also be a sign of a serious bone marrow disorder such as thrombocythemia or primary thrombocytosis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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Many foods contain nutrients that are vital to hormonal and neurochemical activity and balance in our brains. Symptoms of depression and anxiety are worsened by vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Foods rich in the following nutrients can help reduce anxiety and improve mood.
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Nematodes are highly abundant, non-segmented worms that are present in a variety of habitats. Many are free-living (such as those that live in the soil), while others are parasitic and must attach themselves to a plant, insect, animal or human host to survive and reproduce.
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High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, is characterized by the presence in the bloodstream of abnormally high total cholesterol -- combined high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, and low-density lipoprotein -- LDL, abnormally high LDL -- bad cholesterol, and/or abnormally high triglycerides.
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A pilonidal cyst is a small pouch or sac in the skin that commonly forms on the tailbone at the top of the buttocks. These cysts can fill with debris such as dead hair which pushes through the skin, creating a sinus cavity that can easily become infected.
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