Diseases & Health Conditions

According to the Champaign Human Society in Urbana, Illinois, up to 15 percent of people, including children, are allergic to dogs, cats and rabbits. Contrary to popular belief, most people are not actually allergic to pet hair but to the…
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Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a serious mental health condition that exceeds the boundaries of normal worry and fear. It becomes so overwhelming that carrying on with normal daily activities becomes difficult. It is a disorder affecting between 2 and…
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Overview AML is a kind of leukemia that is also known as acute myeloid leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia and acute myelocytic leukemia. It starts in the bone marrow and the cells that turn into various types of…
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Activities of daily living, or ADLs, are every day activities such as eating, toileting and bathing most people take for granted, until a person can no longer perform the activities without assistance. A person with Alzheimer’s generally requires help with…
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Overview Bloodroot was extensively used by Native Americans to treat a variety of disorders. In modern times, practitioners of alternative medicine mostly use bloodroot in the form of a salve to treat skin conditions as serious as cancer. It can…
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Overview Your skin contains two vital proteins, collagen and elastin, that help maintain its structure. When you are constantly exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, these proteins start to break down and skin conditions such as wrinkles, redness, dryness,…
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Overview Beconase is the brand name for beclomethasone dipropionate, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. According to Drugs.com, an online drug reference, this medication is taken through the nose by the use of a nasal inhaler and is available by many other brand…
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There are many parasites that commonly affect humans. Among these parasites are the protozoa that share the Earth’s water, soil and food supply with the human population. Some may not be able to cause disease if you are healthy, while…
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Overview A skin peel, or chemical peel, is a treatment in which a chemical like phenol, trichloroacetic acid or glycolic acid is applied to your skin to dissolve or peel off the upper layer and allow new skin to develop…
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Overview Bipolar disorder, previously called manic depression, is characterized by alternating periods of elation and depression. Bipolar depression is not a diagnosis in itself, but instead it refers to the periodic depressive episodes that individuals with this disorder experience. Overview…
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Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a viral infection that is highly contagious. There are two types of herpes. HSV type 1 commonly causes sores on the lips and is often referred to as fever blisters or cold sores, but it…
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Seasonal affective disorder refers to a type of depression that occurs at the same time annually. The Mayo Clinic says that most people with affective disorder display symptoms from the fall to the winter months. In the fall to winter…
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Cigarette smoke contains many harmful chemicals, with nicotine and carbon monoxide being among the most hazardous to your health. If you smoke during pregnancy, these poisons get into the placenta, which is the tissue that connects you to your baby…
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Venereal disease refers to a sexually transmitted disease that can be spread when engaging in sexual activity. Generally, these venereal diseases can lead to sores or ulcers on the genitalia, foul discharge or pain. Fortunately, venereal diseases can be treated….
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The integumentary system refers to the skin, the largest organ in the body that protects the body from the elements. Sometimes, sun exposure leads to severe and potentially life-threatening damage to the skin. In some cases, skin problems may occur…
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Overview Of the several types of hepatitis viruses that cause infection resulting in liver damage, only hepatitis types A and B can be prevented by vaccines. Twinrix, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, is the only vaccine to combine protection against hepatitis A…
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Overview Norepinephrine, or Levophed Bitartrate, is a prescription medication used in the treatment of life-threatening low blood pressure and shock. According to Drugs.com, an online drug reference, norepinephrine mimics the body’s natural production of adrenaline, causing the blood vessels to…
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Methadone is a narcotic prescription medication used to treat symptoms of withdrawal from opioid addiction. Common opiates include heroin, morphine and Oxycontin. Some symptoms of opioid withdrawal include anxiety, agitation, sweating, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches. Methadone can treats pain…
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Herpes comes in two different forms, type I and type II. The herpes virus is able to remain in the body in a dormant phase, which means that it can’t be cured. As a result, the herpes type I virus…
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1. Look for Hallucinations It is rare for schizophrenia to appear in children, as this is a mental illness that tends to appear far more often in adolescence and adulthood. If you suspect your child may be suffering from the…
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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the infectious disease that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, also known as AIDS. It may be transmitted through sexual contact via the mouth, vagina or anus, as well as through sharing needles—a habit common…
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Blushing, when cheeks, neck, chest or the entire face turns a shade of pink or red, is typically caused by emotion. We blush when we’re embarrassed, excited, crying or angry. Hot and spicy foods can cause blushing. Uncontrollable, spontaneous blushing…
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Prostate cancer can affect different cell types within your prostate. The type of cell affected gives a cancer its specific name. Adenocarcinoma, cancer of the glandular cells of the prostate, is by far the most common type of prostate cancer….
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A pinched nerve is caused by pressure to a nerve root by surrounding tissues such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. The pressure disrupts the nerve’s function, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. The pain can occur in a localized…
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A stroke occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain is temporarily or permanently lost. A brain artery blockage or rupture causes a stroke, also called a cerebrovascular accident or CVA. The brain stem connects the brain…
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Osteoporosis is a condition that causes low bone density and structural corrosion of bone tissue. This can lead to fragile bones and increase the risk of fractures. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, osteoporosis…
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The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck in front of the trachea (wind pipe). According to the Mayo Clinic, the thyroid produces hormones that help regulate the body’s temperature, blood pressure, and metabolism. The National Cancer Institute…
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The National Cancer Institute reports that 15,000 men and 6,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with primary liver cancer each year. The American Cancer Society notes that the liver has two veins: the hepatic artery provides it with oxygen,…
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According to a 2003 study in the “Archives of Internal Medicine,” colds and flu account for more than 100 million doctor visits each year at a cost of over 7.7 billion dollars. With the future of healthcare uncertain and more…
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The National Cancer Institute reports that pancreatic cancer is diagnosed in 29,000 people in the United States each year, and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death. Located in the abdomen behind the stomach, the pancreas secretes hormones that…
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