Diseases & Health Conditions

A keloid is an overgrowth of fibrous scar tissue following a skin injury. The injury can be anything from a surgical incision to a tiny cut while shaving. The tissue of the keloid extends beyond the original wound borders. People…
Read more

Sinus pain is the result of sinus inflammation, according to the University of Maryland. When the sinuses become inflamed, they create pressure throughout the head, causing pain in the ears, behind the eyes, in the forehead and the upper teeth….
Read more

A common symptom of an allergic reaction is sinus inflammation, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the sinus cavity becomes irritated from allergens, it swells and over-produces mucus, leading to sinus drainage, congestion and sinus pressure pain. Most sinus allergy…
Read more

Acute myeloid leukemia, also known as acute myelogenous leukemia or AML, is a cancer that originates in the bone marrow when too many immature cells called myeloblasts are made. The National Cancer Institute describes treatment for AML as being made…
Read more

Pneumonia is an infection that causes severe inflammation within the delicate tissue of the lungs. The infection can cause a variety of symptoms in adults and is the sixth leading cause of death within the United States, reports PDR Health,…
Read more

The Mayo Clinic defines heart disease as a broad term used to describe a range of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. Heart disease can affect people of any age or race. The Centers for Disease Control and…
Read more

Overview Most pancreatic cancers arise from the cells producing digestive juices, called exocrine cancers. Cancer also arises in pancreatic cells that produce hormones, known as endocrine cancers, but these prove to be rare. According to the Mayo Clinic, the underlying…
Read more

The breasts are made up of a number of milk-producing lobules, which are connected to the nipple by a series of tubes, called ducts. The lobules and ducts are surrounded by fat, connective tissue, lymph nodes and blood vessels. Breast…
Read more

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with flu will get better with no treatment at all. However, in some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication that prevents you from getting the flu after you…
Read more

Depression is a serious disorder characterized by altered thought processes, unstable feelings and emotions and negative physical effects. The disorder goes beyond experiencing a normal level of occasional sadness to markedly interfering with the daily life and normal functioning of…
Read more

1. Determine How Much Water You Need When hiking, you’ll need plenty of water. Most doctors agree that adult humans need about 64 oz. of water when at rest. When you’re hiking, you’re expending water in sweat, especially if it’s…
Read more

Anaplastic thyroid cancer, also called undifferentiated cancer, is rare, comprising approximately 2 percent of all thyroid cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. The cells are undifferentiated when seen under a microscope, which means they do not look like normal…
Read more

Overview ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition that causes patients to have problems with focus and concentration as well as with impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Although this condition is primarily thought of as a childhood disease, Help4ADHD.org notes that…
Read more

Overview Smoking has been around for centuries and tobacco remains a popular product despite the health warnings issued by doctors, scientists and government officials. Many people are repulsed by the habit of smoking and laws have banned its use in…
Read more

FluMist is the trade name for a nasal spray influenza vaccine. The vaccine contains live but weakened virus particles that provoke antibody production against influenza but do not cause disease. FluMist is a live, attenuated influenza vaccine or LAIV. The…
Read more

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer comprised of mutated cells that make up the pigmentation in the skin. These cancerous melanocytes can most commonly be found in skin moles, but may be found in non-pigmented skin as well. The…
Read more

Before a diagnosis of autism, parents may notice that their child appears disinterested in other children, avoids eye contact or seldom smiles. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting behavior and social and communication skills. According to Centers for Disease Control…
Read more

Evidence is mounting that autism is caused by the combination of a specific genetic abnormality and environmental factors. In November 2009, Dr. Geraldine Dawson at the University of Washington reported on the results of a two-year study of 48 toddlers….
Read more

Cancer refers to a medical condition in which cells within the body multiply rapidly and form tumors. Sometimes, these tumors can spread to the rest of the body. The Mayo Clinic states that symptoms of cancer include unintentional weight loss,…
Read more

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when there is bacteria present in urinary tract. It is classified by the site of infection, lower tract and upper tract infection. Lower tract infections include cystitis (bladder), urethritis (urethra), and prostatitis (prostate gland)….
Read more

Asthma is a breathing disorder that is allergy related in some individuals. It affects the passageways of the lungs and makes our most basic need, breathing, a struggle. According to author Mark Jackson in his book, “Allergy, The History of…
Read more

Isopropyl alcohol is a small, carbon-based molecule in the same chemical family as ethanol, the alcohol in wine and beer. Unlike ethanol, however, isopropyl alcohol is not appropriate for internal consumption, but is instead used primarily as a solvent. It…
Read more

Depression is the most commonly diagnosed condition in general practice next to hypertension, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Although 16 percent of the adult population in the United States will have an episode of depression at some point…
Read more

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, refers to a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center 35,000 people die of influenza each year. Its signs and symptoms include fatigue, a dry cough,…
Read more

Overview Before the introduction of polio vaccine, the U.S. reported 13,000 to 20,000 cases of paralytic polio each year. Although 95 percent of people infected with poliovirus show no signs of disease, the virus causes permanent paralysis–which can lead to…
Read more

Colon cancer staging lays the foundation for predicting prognosis and formulating treatment for the disease. Clinical workup–such as blood tests, imaging and a physical exam–determines the preliminary stage. Microscopic examination of surgical specimens reveal later stages. Several systems for staging…
Read more

Regular bowel movements keep the body healthy through elimination of waste products. Stool can become hard, dry and unable to pass through the colon. When this occurs, a stool softener can alleviate the pain, cramping and straining associated with hard…
Read more

Ritalin is the brand name for the medication methylphenidate, a powerful psychostimulant used to treat attention disorders, narcolepsy and daytime sleepiness. Ritalin was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1955. The side effects caused by Ritalin…
Read more

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that forms in lymph tissues such as the lymph nodes and spleen. Lymph tissues provide the body’s defenses against germs and infection. When white blood cells, known as B lymphocytes, in these tissues…
Read more

For people who suffer with chronic blushing–when the upper chest, neck and face turn red, which is usually a reaction to embarrassment–it can be a serious concern. David Nielson, MD, is a cardio-thoracic surgeon that specializes in the treatment of…
Read more