Diseases & Health Conditions

Overview Depression is a serious mental health condition that can disrupt day-to-day functioning and, according to the World Health Organization, is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Depression symptoms can range from mild to severe. Various treatments are…
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Nicotine is only one of the thousands of toxic chemicals in a cigarette, yet it has a profound effect on the body. It is a drug that is as addictive as heroin or cocaine, according to the American Cancer Society….
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A mood disorder, depression causes patients to feel helpless or hopeless, and affects their perception of the world. For example, depressed patients can feel worthless even if they live productive lives. Many factors can contribute to the onset of depression,…
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Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by cycles of manic and depressive episodes. Bipolar is a difficult condition that affects all parts of one’s life and can have dangerous and long-term consequences. Many medications are available for the treatment…
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Headaches can have many causes and the pain can be mild or severe. Some people suffer from headaches that are chronic and cause severe pain. These chronic, painful headaches sometimes have to be controlled with medications. Using pressure points can…
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Overview Geothermal heat is available in two ways. In district heating systems, hot water near the earth’s surface is tapped to provide interior heat. Geothermal heat pumps use the stable temperature beneath the earth to control building temperatures and in…
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Alcohol withdrawal is a condition with symptoms alcoholics might develop when they decide to stop drinking, according to FamilyDoctor.org. This syndrome typically affects people who have been drinking for weeks, months or years. Alcohol withdrawal is a serious condition that…
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Tobacco users who wish to stop smoking may or may not wait until health symptoms appear before making their decisions. Even if they feel healthy, their lungs, heart, blood vessels and cellular DNA have already undergone the stress of cigarette,…
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Diarrhea involves frequent loose stools often accompanied by abdominal cramps. According to the National Library of Medicine, the most common cause of diarrhea is a self-resolving viral infection. Other causes of diarrhea include medications, food poisonings, lactose intolerance or digestive…
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The foramen ovale is a flap-like opening in the wall that separates the two upper chambers of the heart. Before birth, the foramen ovale allows a circulatory bypass of the lungs, which the baby is not yet using. Normally, the…
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In 2008, 6.4 percent of Americans identified themselves as “heavy drinkers,” found a survey performed by the Alcohol Epidemiologic Data System of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Drinking one or more drink per day with the obsessive…
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The most common genetic disorder, Down syndrome affects every 1 in 800 to 1000 births. The presence of an extra chromosome 21 causes Down syndrome. The chance of having an affected child increases as a women ages, though in most…
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Duodenal ulcers are lesions, sores and areas of inflammation located at the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. The National Institutes of Health points out other names for the condition include peptic, stomach or gastric ulcers. The ulcers…
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Relapse refers to engaging in maladaptive behavior that leads to alcohol use. The recovery process often involves relapse back to drinking; this is part of the process in developing a more effective plan for sobriety. RelapsePrevention.com indicates that 90 percent…
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Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, originates from white blood cells in the bone marrow, which then spread to the blood, according to the American Cancer Society. CLL usually grows slower than other forms of leukemia. Treatment for CLL typically depends…
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There are many herbs that boost the immune system. They work by increasing immunity and resistance to disease. A strengthened immune system can help fight off colds and viruses. Before starting an herbal remedy, check with health care professionals to…
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Gambling can be an interesting hobby that can turn into a debilitating addiction. Addictive gambling occurs when you feel the compulsive need to gamble, trying to recoup your losses through more gambling and hiding your habit from your family. Stop…
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety disorder. Children with OCD feel compelled to take action in an attempt to manage anxiety driven by involuntary fears, thoughts and ideas. While fear and worry are common in childhood, it can become…
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Restless leg syndrome refers to a medical problem in which the legs feel uncomfortable, especially when sitting or lying down. The Mayo Clinic says at their website MayoClinic.com that symptoms of restless leg syndrome include such unpleasant sensations as tingling,…
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Allergies occur when an individual is exposed to a normally innocuous substance that the body mistakenly interprets as harmful. A defensive response results: the affected cells release chemicals called histamines, which increase the permeability of blood vessels, allowing fluid to…
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Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful situations, both good and bad. While there are a number of underlying root causes of anxiety, many anxiety disorders are not likely due to a single cause. Feelings of anxiety are often the…
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Smoking weed or marijuana while pregnant may increase the risk for various problems with the baby. Many studies have examined this topic with conflicting results, but at least some studies, noted below, have identified certain risks. Although an ultrasound can…
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The temples are the region aligned with the eyes on the sides of the head. Headaches in this area are relatively common and may be caused by a variety of conditions including disorders of the blood vessels, joints and underlying…
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A migraine refers to a chronic headache associated with a throbbing or pulsating pain, vomiting, nausea, irritability and fatigue. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that the exact cause for migraines is unknown but some migraine triggers include hormone…
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Pain in the upper thigh is common among athletes as the result of a strain of the muscles in either the front or the back. Due to its proximity to the hip joint, osteoarthritis can also refer pain to the…
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Itching is an uncomfortable and often irritating sensation. The Mayo Clinic indicates there are several possible causes for excessive itching, including internal diseases such as kidney failure. It is important to seek medical treatment if excessive itching persists. Excessive itching…
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It’s not easy to diagnose a pinched radial nerve, primarily because it presents just like tennis elbow, an inflammation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow. The causes are also similar, namely a repetitive motion twisting…
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According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders affect approximately 40 million American adults each year. It is normal to experience some degree of anxiety when faced with a stressful event. Normal anxiety is generally brief, stopping after…
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Many skin conditions are genetic. Most of these conditions are inherited, though some do occur from a sporadic change in the DNA of a gene. These conditions cause a variety of symptoms such as very dry, tight skin; blistering; and…
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Doxycycline hyc (hyclate) is a prescription antibiotic that belongs to a class of drugs called the tetracyclines. It treats infections caused by a wide range of susceptible bacteria. Doxycycline acts by binding to the bacteria and preventing the production of…
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