Respiratory Diseases are ailments and conditions that impair our respiratory system. The respiratory system is responsible for proper delivery of oxygen throughout the body, removal of carbon dioxide and toxic waste, ample regulation of the body temperature and the stabilization of the body’s pH level. Respiratory diseases are those that affect the lung, bronchial tubes, [...]
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, occurs when blood glucose (sugar) levels fall to abnormal levels. Most doctors define low glucose levels below 70 ml/dl on a glucose meter, although symptoms don’t usually appear until levels fall below 60 ml/dl. (If levels fall below 50 ml/dl brain function is greatly affected.) A glucose reading only takes [...]
What is a Urinary Tract Infection? The system inside the body responsible for making urine and exporting it out of the body is known as the urinary tract. It is made up of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. If germs or bacteria get anywhere into this system, and infection can occur, known as a [...]
What is Obesity? Obesity is a disease that is overwhelming the American population. Obesity is defined as an excess proportion of body fat to size, more particularly a weight more that twenty percent above the normal weight. Another measure to determine obesity is the body mass index, or BMI. BMI is calculated by multiplying your [...]
Definition of Migraine Headaches A migraine headache is a common type of headache about 30 million Americans suffer from. A migraine is caused by the inflammation of the arteries surrounding the brain. The more swelling and inflammation there is in the arteries, the more severe the pain is of the migraine. Alternative Names of Migraines [...]
Cystitis is the medical term for irritation of the bladder. It is most often the result of a bacterial infection, in which case it is also called a urinary tract infection or bladder infection. It can affect either sex at any age but is predominantly seen in adult women. At least 50% of women will [...]
Definition of Cough A cough (the latin word is “tussis,” which lends its name to the suffix of some cough medicines) is a natural muscle reflex of the body attempting to remove some irritation, collection or blockage from the throat or lungs in order to allow for normal breathing and swallowing. The normal breathing pattern [...]
The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. As the largest organ inside the body, it is about the size of an American football and weighs 2 to 3 pounds. The liver is located in the upper-right quadrant of the abdomen, under the rib cage. It is composed of two [...]
Dandruff is the commonly-given name to the shedding of skin from the scalp that grows out of control. Dandruff actually occurs in everyone, but it is hardly noticed because it is so discrete. Dandruff is simply when this natural process of skin shedding increases to the point where it leaves flakes of dead skin on [...]
Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the pigment in the skin that results in several other problems as well. The condition is most commonly found in newborns and infants but can affect adults as well. The term “Jaundice” comes from the French language and means “yellow”. Alternative Names For Jaundice The most common alternative name [...]
As a new mother, there is distinct research making the case for nurturing the breastfeeding relationship between you and your baby. However, what many women do not hear is the pitfalls and complications that can arise, threatening this precious time with your baby. One of the most common problems that breastfeeding moms face is blocked [...]
Bedwetting is commonly defined as involuntary urination during sleep in children after the age that bladder control normally occurs. It can happen any time the child is asleep, whether day or night, but most commonly occurs during nighttime sleep. Nocturnal enuresis is the term used to describe instances of involuntary urination at night. Primary nocturnal [...]
Pyorrhoea is an advanced form of gingivitis and the symptoms can be very similar. Pyorrhoea is the world’s second most common dental problem following simple tooth decay and gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild and common form of gum disease that if left untreated or ignored can become the more severe pyorrhoea. Gingivitis is an inflammation [...]
Hysteria, also known as hysterical neurosis, is a psychological state that is caused by extreme emotions such as overwhelming fear or sorrow. The psychological strain will become so severe that the individual will begin showing physical symptoms. The person will be extremely emotional and will often feel pain associated with supposed problems. For centuries, it [...]
Hair loss is a common condition in which a person permanently sheds his hair. Hair can be lost from the head or other parts of the body. Unlike elective removal of excess body hair through shaving, waxing, etc., hair loss and baldness is often unwelcome and can be psychologically damaging to the person experiencing it. [...]
Fever, also known as pyrexia, is any body temperature that is elevated above the normal temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Body temperature fluctuates throughout the day, and can elevate due to normal everyday activities, such as exercise. However, an elevated temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is considered medically significant, and is usually due [...]
Piles, better known as hemorrhoids, are located within the anal canal. There are typically two classes of piles: external and internal. Each indicates the location of the hemorrhoids. Once swollen or inflamed, they become pathological. Piles are one of today’s most common ailments, affecting several people. Hemorrhoids Piles, or hemorrhoids, is classed as a varicose [...]
Urticaria is commonly known as hives, uredo or needle rash and is a type of allergic reaction that causes the skin to welt into red blotches. The welts are extremely itchy and can cover large areas of the human body including arms, legs, face, stomach and back. The cause of urticaria can be related to [...]
Gray Hair Facts Hair follicles, like skin, bear pigmentation in the form of melanin. For hair, there are two types of melanin: eumelanin (brown pigment) and pheomelanin (black pigment).These are the same melanin types that create the classic stripes of a Tiger or spots of a leopard. Their different combinations will result in blond to [...]
An enema is a process by which the colon is cleansed. A bag is filled with a solution. Depending upon the procedure, the solution may vary. There are over 20 different types of enemas or enemata solutions. The process involves introducing a liquid solution into the colon via the rectum or anus. The solution travels [...]