Diseases & Health Conditions

Herpes zoster, or shingles, is a condition caused by the virus that causes chicken pox. After remaining dormant in nerves within the body for a period of time, the virus reactivates, causing a painful, blistering rash on the trunk, buttocks,…
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No cure yet exists for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are grouped under the COPD medical condition. COPD causes shortness of breath, which gets worse as the disease progresses. Treatment is available to help patients and…
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A chemotherapy port is a small, circular plastic or metal button about the size of a quarter inserted below the skin. The port attaches a catheter and a vein. Chemotherapy drugs are administered via the port with a needle that…
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Abilify, known generically as aripiprazole, is an atypical antipsychotic and commonly prescribed mood stabilizer approved to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and the irritability and aggression associated with autism. Abilify works by altering the way chemicals function within the brain….
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Chickenpox is a highly communicable illness, seen most commonly in children under the age of 15, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Typically this illness is mild but it can lead to several serious complications such as brain swelling, pneumonia and skin infections….
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Overview Ionizers are a type of air filter designed to remove potentially harmful particles from indoor air. They come in various shapes and sizes and can clean the air in a room or in an entire house, depending on the…
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Distractibility and inattention are just two of the childhood symptoms of ADD, also known as ADHD. In 2000, ADHD became the standard diagnosis for what used to be two separate diagnoses of ADD and ADHD. Within ADHD, there are three…
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Overview Approximately half a million people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. While this condition affects some children and teenagers, most of the people with SAD are adults. Learning about SAD can help…
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Autism is a developmental disorder that develops early in life and causes behavioral and learning problems that are usually permanent. The National Autistic Society states that autism affects a child’s ability to speak, interact with others and participate in regular…
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Sinus pressure may cause headaches and the feeling of pressure behind the eyes. Sinus pain may occur as a result of sinusitis, which causes the nasal passages to swell and prevents mucus from draining. If you are suffering from sinus…
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Diarrhea, a condition characterized by frequent, loose, watery stools, allows the body to rid itself of toxins and foreign substances. In a normal digestive system, food remains in liquid form until it reaches the colon, where the body absorbs most…
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A pinched nerve is compression on a nerve root caused by bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. Pinched nerves cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in a focal area or into the extremities. Pinched nerves can be relieved with organic, or…
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Overview Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos or other harmful agents. It is an aggressive cancer that is hard to treat. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy may be used to treat mesothelioma. Administration…
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People who suffer from a fear of flying greatly limit their work options and ability to see friends and family members. Some people become so immobilized and anxious about flying that they miss out on important life events, such as…
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Kawasaki disease is a disease of unknown cause. It commonly affects children under the age of five and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Boys and children of Asian descent are more likely to get Kawasaki…
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According to Patrick Meninga, author of “The Spiritual River,” alternative therapy for alcohol abuse entails anything outside of the 12-step program prescribed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Alcoholics sometimes shy away from AA for many reasons, including the fact that the…
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Overview A common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder, hypervigilance is marked by extreme physical and mental arousal. Breathing is often shallow, which can actually worsen anxiety, creating a self-perpetuating cycle. Learning to control your breathing can help you end an…
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Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that is found in several organs of the body. The enzyme is primarily found in the liver, placenta, bone, kidneys and intestines. Thus, alkaline phosphatase will have elevated levels whenever there is an increase in…
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A bladder infection, also called a urinary tract infection, occurs from bacteria buildup inside the urinary tract. Bacteria which live on skin and inside the gastrointestinal system can transfer to the urinary system and cause infection. Children can develop an…
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Herpes is a viral disease that can affect the genital area or mouth. The Herpes Simplex Virus, or HSV, causes this disease. This virus can be divided into HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 most commonly causes symptoms around or in the…
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Best known for its natural benefits to heart health, shark oil is often sold at health food stores in the form of a capsule or liquid. This supplement has also been linked to the treatment of certain cancers and the…
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Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that afflicts approximately 2.4 million American adults each year. It usually develops in early adulthood and appears to have a genetic basis because family members of patients with schizophrenia, particularly identical twins, are at…
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Overview Anxiety and agitation are closely intertwined. People suffering from severe anxiety often report agitation, while those who experience agitation may simultaneously feel anxious. This can make it difficult to determine exactly what you or someone else may be experiencing….
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Exercise is likely one of the last things a person with arthritis wants to do, but according to the Mayo Clinic, exercising is an essential component of treating and living with arthritis. The exercises won’t cure the condition, but they…
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The avian flu or bird flu is a serious illness if it is not diagnosed early and properly treated. This disease does not usually affect humans. When it does, however, it can be fatal if it goes untreated. The difficulty…
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Most parents of kids with ADD, also referred to as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), become concerned about the daily drug dosing of their kids, but there are treatments for ADD that do not involve drugs. There are alternatives that…
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Older adults typically need to supplement their diet with vitamins and nutrients to make up for deficiencies common in aging, according to The Elder Care Advocate. Disabilities and other medical conditions deplete nutrition reserves and interfere with nutrient uptake as…
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Nitrofurantoin monohydrate is a prescription medication used to prevent or treat urinary-tract infections caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli, or E. coli for short. This medication is administered orally and should be taken with food. Nitrofurantoin monohydrate can cause side…
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Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a term used to collectively describe more than 20 cancerous diseases that affect the lymphatic system. Over 65,000 people were estimated to be diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2009, based on reports provided by the Leukemia and…
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Overview It may be difficult to differentiate between cold and allergy symptoms because they are so similar. Some of the most common symptoms of colds and allergies are a runny nose, sneezing, cough and sore throat, according to the Mayo…
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