OHSU Health Information Library Topics
Adult A to Z
A
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Detailed information on abdominal aortic aneurysms, including description of abdominal aortic aneurysm, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and full-color anatomical and procedure illustrations
About Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
Arthritis, itself a group of more than 100 different diseases, is one category of rheumatic diseases.
About Breast Cancer in Men
Breast cancer in men is rare—less than 1 percent of all breast carcinomas occur in men.
About Clinical Trials: Information from the National Cancer Institute
Clinical trials are studies, managed by government agencies, educational institutions, private not-for-profit organizations, or commercial businesses, to develop, produce, and evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments and therapies for diseases.
About Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen has been used to treat both advanced and early stage breast cancer. More recently, tamoxifen is being used as an additional therapy following primary treatment for early stage breast cancer.
About Taxol
Taxol, or paclitaxel, is a drug used for treating certain women who have advanced breast or ovarian cancer. Paclitaxel is a compound that is extracted from the bark of the Pacific yew tree.
Accomplishments of Environmental Medicine
One highlight: Exposure to fine particles, sulfur dioxide, and acid aerosols has been linked to an increase in respiratory symptoms and reduced lung capacity.
Acne
Detailed information on acne, including causes, symptoms, and different types of treatment such as medication, dermabrasion, chemical peels, collagen injections, laser resurfacing, punch grafts, phototherapy/blue light therapy, and autologous fat transfer
Acne in Children
Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. With acne, the sebaceous glands are clogged, which leads to pimples and cysts.
Acne Scar Removal
Detailed information on different techniques for acne scar removal, including dermabrasion, chemical peels, collagen injections, laser resurfacing, punch grafts, and autologous fat transfer
Acoustic Neuroma
Acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous tumor that may develop from an overproduction of Schwann cells that press on the hearing and balance nerves in the inner ear.
Acquired Brain Injury
Acquired brain injury occurs when a sudden, external, physical assault damages the brain. It is one of the most common causes of disability and death in adults.
Acromegaly
Detailed information on acromegaly, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Actinic Keratosis (A Precancerous Condition)
Detailed information on actinic keratosis, including causes and treatment
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the practice of puncturing the skin with needles at certain anatomical points in the body to relieve specific symptoms associated with many diseases.
Acute Bronchitis
Detailed information on acute bronchitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Detailed information on acute lymphocytic leukemia, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Detailed information on acute myelogenous leukemia, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Many types of trauma can cause an acute spinal cord injury. The more common types occur when the area of the spine or neck is bent or compressed.
Adjustment Disorders
Adjustment disorders are quite common in children and teens. They are characterized by an excessive reaction to stress.
Adrenal Tumors / Pheochromocytoma
Detailed information on adrenal gland tumors and pheochromocytoma, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Advances in Therapeutic Radiology
One newer therapy combines radiation and chemotherapy, because in some cases, radiation may improve the effects of chemotherapy, and vice versa. Another therapy uses external beam radiation during surgery to treat cancerous tumors or certain other forms of cancer.
African Trypanosomiasis (African Sleeping Sickness)
Detailed information on African trypanosomiasis, also called African sleeping sickness, including symptoms, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
After Surgery: Discomforts and Complications
Detailed information on postoperative discomforts and potential complications, including shock, hemorrhage, wound infection, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary complications, urinary retention, and reaction to anesthesia
After You Return
Detailed information on health considerations after returning home from traveling abroad
Age-Appropriate Speech and Hearing Milestones
A hearing problem may be suspected in a child who is not responding to sounds or who is not developing language skills appropriately.
Age-Appropriate Speech and Language Milestones
Here are guidelines on speech and language development that may help you decide if your child is experiencing hearing problems.
Air Pollution
Detailed information on air pollution and air pollution prevention
Air Travel
Detailed information on healthy considerations for air travel, including ways to prevent motion sickness and jet lag
Airway Obstruction
Detailed information on airway obstruction and children, including choking, suffocation, and strangulation
Alcohol and Pregnancy
Alcohol consumption by the mother is a leading cause of preventable birth defects in the fetus. In addition, the risk for miscarriage and stillbirth increases with alcohol consumption.
Alcohol Use and People with Diabetes
Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels to the point of hypoglycemia. Keep careful track of your blood sugar levels when drinking alcohol, because certain diabetes medications also lower blood glucose levels.
Alcoholic Hepatitis
Detailed information on alcoholic hepatitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease
Detailed information on alcohol induced liver disease, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
All About Allergy
Detailed information on allergy, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
All About Asthma
Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease with recurrent breathing problems.
All About Asthma in Children
What causes asthma? It may be partially inherited, but many other environmental, infectious, and chemical factors are involved.
Allergen: Insect Stings
Detailed information on allergic reactions to insect bites and stings
Allergens: Animals
Household pets, like cats and dogs, are the most common sources of animal allergens.
Allergens: Chemical Sensitivity
Detailed information on synthetic and natural substances that cause sensitivity to the skin
Allergens: Dust and Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic organisms that can live and thrive throughout homes and businesses.
Allergens: Food
Detailed information on food allergy, including food intolerance and food allergy symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Allergens: Mold
Mold spores or fragments may be inhaled through the nose and into the lungs, where they cause allergic reactions or asthma.
Allergens: Poison Ivy/Poison Oak/Poison Sumac
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can all cause bumps and blisters that itch. Teach your children what these plants look like and how to avoid them.
Allergens: Pollen
Pollen is the most common cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis, sometimes known as "hay fever."
Allergens: Triggers of Allergy Attacks
Detailed information on allergy triggers and symptom control
Allergic Rhinitis
Pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander are the most common causes of allergic rhinitis.
Allergies
Detailed information on allergies in children, including information on allergic rhinitis and food allergies
Allergies and the Immune System
Most allergic reactions are a result of an immune system that responds to a "false alarm."
Allergy and Asthma Statistics
More than 22 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma. Find out other facts and figures on this chronic disease.
Allergy Overview
Alpha Thalassemia
Detailed information on alpha thalassemia, including cause, diagnosis, and treatment
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, a disorder in which mental functions deteriorate and break down.
Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is a menstrual condition in which a woman's menstrual periods are absent for more than three monthly cycles. Pregnancy is one possible cause of amenorrhea.
Amputation
Detailed information on amputation, including causes and types of rehabilitation programs for amputations
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurological disorder marked by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. It is often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, after a famous baseball player who died from it.
Analgesic Nephropathy
Detailed information on analgesic nephropathy, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and acute kidney failure
Anatomical Pathology
Detailed information on several of the different divisions of anatomical pathology, including biopsy, surgical pathology, cytology, and autopsy
Anatomy and Development of the Mouth and Teeth
Children's teeth begin developing in the fetus. Good nutrition from the mother during pregnancy is important in the development of the teeth.
Anatomy and Function of the Coronary Arteries
Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. There are two main coronary arteries: the right and the left.
Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves
Heart valves prevent the backward flow of blood. They act as one-way inlets of blood on one side of a ventricle and one-way outlets of blood on the other side of a ventricle.
Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves
Detailed anatomical description of the heart valves, including simple definitions and a labeled, full-color illustration
Anatomy and Function of the Heart's Electrical System
The heart is a pump made of muscle tissue. Its pumping action is regulated by electrical impulses.
Anatomy of a Joint
Joints are the areas where two or more bones meet. Most joints are mobile, allowing the bones to move.
Anatomy of Female Pelvic Area
The female pelvic area contains a number of organs and structures: the endometrium, uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, and vulva.
Anatomy of the Bone
A typical bone in your body contains three types of tissue—a hard outer tissue, a sponge-like inner tissue, and smooth tissue at the ends.
Anatomy of the Brain
The brain is an important organ that controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, respiration, temperature, hunger, and every process that regulates your body.
Anatomy of the Breasts
Each breast has 15 to 20 sections (lobes), which are arranged like the petals of a daisy. Each lobe has many smaller lobules, which end in dozens of tiny bulbs that can produce milk.
Anatomy of the Endocrine System
The endocrine system includes not only the pancreas—the organ involved in the development of diabetes—but also the pituitary, thyroid, and other glands.
Anatomy of the Eye
The structures of the eye include the cornea, iris, pupil, macula, retina, and the optic nerve.
Anatomy of the Hand
Each of your hands has three types of bones: phalanges in your fingers; metacarpals in your mid-hand, and carpals in your wrist.
Anatomy of the Prostate Gland
The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the neck of a man’s bladder and urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder.
Anatomy of the Respiratory System
The respiratory system includes the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and lungs.
Anatomy of the Skin
The skin is the body's largest organ. It serves as a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection.
Anatomy of the Urinary System
Detailed anatomical description of the urinary system, including simple definitions and labeled, full-color illustrations
Anatomy: Fetus in Utero
A thin-walled sac surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. The sac is filled with amniotic fluid, which protects the fetus from injury.
Anemia of B12 Deficiency (Pernicious Anemia)
Detailed information on megaloblastic (pernicious) anemia, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Anemia of Folate Deficiency
Detailed information on anemia of folate deficiency, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Anemias
Detailed information on the different types of anemia, including aplastic anemia, anemia of folate deficiency, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hemolytic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, and sickle cell disease
Aneurysm
Detailed information on the dangers of aneurysm, how an aneurysm develops, and aneurysm diagnosis
Angina Pectoris
Angina pectoris occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough blood and oxygen for a given level of work.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Sometimes called antiangiogenic therapy, this treatment may prevent the growth of cancer by blocking the formation of new blood vessels.
Animal Bites and Rabies
Detailed information on animal bites and rabies, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Detailed information on ankylosing spondylitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa (or simply anorexia) is an eating disorder that causes people to obsess about their weight and food.
Antibiotics
Detailed information on the use of antibiotics and children
Anxiety Disorders
Detailed information on the most common types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias
Aphasia
Detailed information on aphasia, including cause, diagnosis, types, and treatment
Aplastic Anemia
Detailed information on aplastic anemia, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment
Appendicitis
Detailed information on appendicitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Arrhythmias
An arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm of the heart that can cause the heart to pump less effectively.
Art, Dance, and Music
Detailed information on art therapy, dance therapy, and music therapy as a form of alternative therapy
Arteriogram
Detailed information on arteriogram, also called angiogram, including information on how the procedure is performed
Arthritis
Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are characterized by pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and connective tissues in the body.
Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases Statistics
Rheumatic diseases are the leading cause of disability among people ages 65 and older.
Arthroscopy
Orthopedic surgeons use arthroscopy to diagnose and treat joint problems. An arthroscope is a small, tube shaped instrument that is used to look inside a joint.
Assistive Equipment for the Home
Assistive equipment includes shower seats and bathtub mats; walkers, canes, and wheelchairs; and telephones for the hearing-impaired.
Asthma
Detailed information on asthma, including triggers of an asthma attack, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and treatment
Asthma and Children
How asthma will affect a child throughout his/her lifetime varies, depending on the child.
Asthma and Exercise
Exercise-induced asthma is different from the typical asthma that is triggered by allergens and/or irritants.
Asthma and Pregnancy
With proper asthma management and good prenatal care, most women with asthma can have healthy pregnancies.
Asthma Attacks
Detailed information on asthma attack triggers and avoidance of allergens and other irritants
Asthma Overview
Asthma Triggers
Detailed information on asthma triggers
Ataxia
Ataxia is a symptom—not a disorder. It refers to a failure of muscle control in the arms and legs, resulting in a lack of balance, coordination, and possibly a disturbance in gait.
Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T)
The risk for breast cancer may be increased for women who carry the A-T gene. Ataxia telangiectasia is a rare childhood disease that affects the nervous system and other body systems.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis caused by a build-up of plaque in the inner lining of an artery.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Atopic dermatitis is a hereditary and chronic skin disorder that mostly affects infants and young children, but may last until a child reaches adolescence or adulthood.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia in which the electrical signals in the atria, or the two small chambers of the heart, are fired in a very fast and uncontrolled manner.
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
ADHD is a behavior disorder marked by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.
Audiologist
Audiologists measure and evaluate a person's ability to hear sounds, and specialize in the treatment of people with hearing disorders.
Audiology
Audiologists address hearing and balance problems in people of all ages. They also help with the fitting and management of hearing aids.
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Detailed information on autoimmune hepatitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Autopsy
Detailed information on autopsy, including who performs the procedure and how an autopsy is performed
Avascular Necrosis
Detailed information on avascular necrosis, including causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Avoiding Eye Injuries
Detailed information on eye safety and tips to avoid eye injury
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a system of medicine based on the idea that disease is caused by an imbalance or stress in a person's consciousness.
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Back and Neck Pain
Pain in the back or neck area can be acute, which comes on suddenly and intensely, or chronic, which can last for weeks, months, or even years. The pain can be continuous or intermittent.
Bacterial Skin Infections
Detailed information on the most common bacterial skin infections, including cellulitis, folliculitis, boils, carbuncles, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
Balance Disorders
Detailed information on balance disorders, including acoustic neurinoma and Ménière's disease
Baldness (Alopecia)
Baldness is usually most noticeable on the scalp, but can occur anywhere on the body where hair grows. The condition is more common in men than in women.
Barium X-Rays (Upper and Lower GI)
Detailed information on barium x-rays, also called upper and lower GI series, including information on how the procedure is performed
Barrett's Esophagus
Detailed information on Barrett's esophagus, including cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Detailed information on basal cell carcinoma, including risk factors and how the disease develops
Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome (Gorlin Syndrome)
The risk for ovarian cancer and skin cancer is increased with basal cell nevus syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.
Basic Anatomy of the Heart
Located almost in the center of the chest, the adult human heart is about the size of two fists held side-by-side.
Bed Sores
Detailed information on bed sores, including causes, prevention, and treatment
Bedwetting (Enuresis)
Detailed information on bedwetting (enuresis) in children, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment of urinary incontinence
Bee Stings
Detailed information on bee sting and other insect stings, including symptoms and treatment
Behavior Disorders
Detailed information on behavior problems in adolescents, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder
Being a Caregiver
"Formal" caregivers are paid for their services and have had training and education in providing care. "Informal" caregivers, also called family caregivers, are people who provide care to family or friends, usually without payment.
Bell's Palsy
Bell's palsy is an unexplained weakness or paralysis of the facial muscle that begins suddenly and worsens over three to five days. It can strike at any age, but it occurs most often in pregnant women, and in people who have diabetes, influenza, or another upper respiratory ailment.
Benign Bone Tumors
Detailed information on the most common benign bone tumors, including chondroblastoma, enchondroma, giant cell tumor, and osteochondroma
Benign Prostate Problems
The prostate gland can develop several conditions that are not cancerous. Pain, inflammation, and impotency are common problems.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes very enlarged and may cause problems associated with urination.
Beta Thalassemia (Cooley's Anemia)
Detailed information on beta thalassemia, including diagnosis and treatment
Biliary Cirrhosis/Bile Duct Cancer
Detailed information on biliary cirrhosis and bile duct cancer, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is an illness that resembles bulimia nervosa and is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled eating or bingeing. It differs from bulimia because its sufferers do not purge their bodies of the excess food.
Biofeedback
Detailed information on biofeedback as a form of alternative therapy
Biopsy
Detailed information on biopsy, including the most common types of biopsy such as endoscopic biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, excisional biopsy, incisional biopsy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, punch biopsy, shave biopsy, and skin biopsy
Birth Statistics
Statistics relating to birth rates
Birthmarks
Detailed information on birthmarks and the different types, including vascular birthmarks, hemangiomas, and port-wine stains
Birthmarks in Infants
Your baby may not have been delivered by stork, but some infants are left with “stork bites” on the backs of their necks. These pink or red patches are just one type of birthmark or variation in skin color that are common in babies.
Bites and Stings
Detailed information on insect bites, including bee stings, flea bites, mite bites, chigger bites, spider bites, tick bites, and lyme disease
Bites and Stings: Animals
Detailed information on animal bites and stings
Bites and Stings: Insects
Detailed information on insect bites, including bee stings, flea bites, mite bites, chigger bites, spider bites, tick bites, and lyme disease
Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction
Bladder dysfunction and bowel dysfunction refer to problems with urinating and passing stools. These may lead to the unwanted passage of urine or stool, called urinary or fecal incontinence.
Bladder Cancer
Detailed information on bladder cancer, including symptoms, types, causes, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
Bleaching
Detailed information on teeth bleaching, including potential risks and side effects
Bleeding / Clotting Disorders
Detailed information on bleeding/clotting disorders, including hemophilia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and thrombosis
Blisters
Detailed information on blisters, including cause, first-aid, and treatment
Blisters in Children
Detailed information on blisters, including cause, first-aid, and treatment
Blood Disorders
Detailed information on the most common blood disorders, including hemochromatosis, polycythemia vera, thrombocythemia, leukemia, and lymphoma
Blood Donations/Blood Banking
Detailed information on blood donations and blood banking
Blood Transfusions
Detailed information on blood transfusion, including the components of blood and potential risks involved in a blood transfusion
Body Movement
Tai chi and yoga are two forms of non-aerobic movement and controlled breathing that can be practiced to reduce stress and anxiety.
Bone Cancers
Detailed information on bone cancers, including chondrosarcoma, ewings sarcoma, myeloma bone disease, multiple myeloma, and osteosarcoma
Bone Density Test
A bone density test measures the strength and density of your bones as you approach menopause and, when the test is repeated sometime later, can help determine how quickly you are losing bone mass and density.
Bone Disorders
Detailed information on bone disorders, including avascular necrosis, fibrous dysplasia, osteogenesis imperfecta, osteomyelitis, Paget's disease of the bone, and primary hyperparathyroidism
Bone Marrow Transplantation
Detailed information on bone marrow transplant, including preparation, types of transplant, transplant team, and possible procedure-related complications or side effects
Bottle-Feeding
Detailed information on bottle-feeding, including information on the different types of baby formula
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is radiation treatment that is given inside the patient, as close to the cancer as possible. The radiation is delivered to the body site with radioactive isotopes inside wires, seeds, or rods. These devices are called implants.
Brain Tumors
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. The tumor can either originate in the brain itself or come from another part of the body and travel to the brain.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a procedure to reshape the breast in order to make it larger. The procedure can also be performed to reconstruct the breast after breast surgery.
Breast Cancer in Men
Detailed information on breast cancer in males, including symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment
Breast Cancer Overview
Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT)
BCPT was a clinical trial that studied tamoxifen as a prevention therapy for those at high risk for breast cancer. Data showed the results of tamoxifen treatment to be "highly significant," with a 49 percent reduction in the number of invasive breast cancers seen across all age groups.
Breast Cancer Statistics
Breast cancer ranks second among cancer deaths in women after lung cancer.
Breast Health
Detailed information on breast health, including anatomy of the breast, normal breast development, breast cancer prevention, breast self-examination, mammography, breast conditions, mastalgia (breast pain), breast lump, fibrocystic breast changes, nipple
Breast Health: Three-Step Plan for Preventive Care
To monitor your breast health, you should do a monthly breast self-exam, get a year clinical exam, and get mammograms as directed by your doctor.
Breast Infections and Inflammations
The most common type of breast infection is lactational mastitis, which occurs when a woman is breastfeeding. The nipples become cracked and sore, allowing bacteria from the baby's mouth to enter the ducts and rapidly multiply in the milk.
Breast Milk Is the Best Milk
Your milk contains just the right balance of nutrients, and it contains them in a form most easily used by the human baby's immature body systems.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction surgery involves creating a breast mound that comes as close as possible to the form and appearance of the natural breast.
Breast Reduction in Men With Gynecomastia
Detailed information on gynecomastia, including causes, facts, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Breastfeeding
Detailed information on breastfeeding and starting to breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Difficulties - Baby
Detailed information on breastfeeding difficulties of the baby, including ineffective latch-on, ineffective sucking, slow infant weight gain, poor infant weight gain, mismanaged breastfeeding, over-active breast milk let down
Breastfeeding Difficulties - Mother
Detailed information on breastfeeding difficulties of the mother, including sore nipples, low breast milk production, flat nipples, plugged milk ducts, and mastitis
Breastfeeding Your Baby
Detailed information on breastfeeding, including information on breast milk, starting breastfeeding, breast milk production, effective breastfeeding, breastfeeding difficulties, sore nipples, insufficient breast milk production, delayed breast milk production, low breast milk production, flat nipples, inverted nipples, plugged milk ducts, mastitis, breastfeeding latch-on difficulties, and poor infant weight gain
Bridges
Detailed information on healthcare for dental bridges
Brushing and Toothpaste
Detailed information on brushing and toothpaste
Bruxism
Detailed information on bruxism, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment
BSE ('Mad Cow Disease') and vCJD
BSE is a cattle disease, and vCJD is the equivalent disease in humans. Both are fatal brain diseases. Researchers believe that people become infected by eating beef contaminated with BSE.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is defined as uncontrolled episodes of overeating (bingeing) usually followed by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, enemas, or medications in an attempt to control weight.
Bulimia Nervosa in Adolescents
Bulimia nervosa is defined as uncontrolled episodes of overeating (bingeing) usually followed by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, enemas, or medications in an attempt to control weight.
Burns
Detailed information on burns, burn types, classification of burns, burn treatment, and burn rehabilitation
Burns in Children
Detailed information on burns, burn types, classification of burns, and burn treatment
Bursitis
A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that cushions a joint. When a bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is known as bursitis.
C
Calculating a Due Date
First, determine the first day of your last menstrual period. Next, count back three calendar months and add one year and seven days to that date.
Calculating Calories and Fat Grams
Here's a formula to help you figure out how many calories and fat grams you need each day to maintain your current weight.
Calluses and Corns
Detailed information on calluses and corns
Cancer Rehabilitation
Detailed information on cancer rehabilitation, including members of the rehabilitation team
Cancer Treatment: Overview
Detailed information on the most common types of cancer treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, biological therapy, and cancer clinical trials
Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
Candidiasis is an infection caused by yeast on the skin and/or mucous membranes. The symptoms vary depending on the location of the infection.
Car Safety
Detailed information on car safety
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Detailed information on carbon monoxide poisoning
Cardiac Catheterization
Detailed information on a cardiac catheterization procedure, including how the procedure is performed, reasons for the procedure, and pre- and post-evaluation instructions
Cardiac Conditions and Diseases
Detailed information on the most common cardiovascular diseases, including full-page descriptions detailing the most common types of heart disease, related symptoms, diagnostic, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, ICDs, and treatment information
Cardiac Diagnostic Tests
Here's a look at just a few of the tests that have been used or are being used to understand and identify cardiovascular disease.
Cardiac Procedures
These procedures are often used in the evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation programs can be conducted while a person is a hospital inpatient or on an outpatient basis.
Cardiac Sarcoma
Cardiac sarcoma is a rare type of cancerous tumor that occurs in the heart.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is any disease of the heart muscle in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Detailed information on cpr, including how to become properly trained in cpr
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Detailed information on heart disease prevention
Cardiovascular Disease Statistics
Heart disease is one of the most serious health problems in the United States. Find out more facts and figures on this topic.
Care and Management of Multiple Pregnancy
A woman with a multiple pregnancy needs more calories and nutrients, more frequent prenatal visits, and more rest.
Care of the Baby in the Delivery Room
A newborn baby is wet from the amniotic fluid and can easily become cold. Drying the baby and using warm blankets and heat lamps can help prevent heat loss. Often a knitted hat is placed on the baby's head.
Care of the Mouth and Teeth
Most children should begin regular dental care by the time they turn 1 year old.
Care of the Uncircumcised Penis
In an uncircumcised boy, the foreskin will begin to separate from the glans, or the tip of the penis. This happens naturally while the male is an infant. This is called foreskin retraction.
Caring for the Mother: Physically and Emotionally
Nap when your baby naps. Take warm, shallow baths several times a day if you had stitches after delivery. Wear a supportive bra and use warm compresses to help with milk letdown.
Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease occurs when the carotid arteries, the main blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the brain, become narrowed.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Women develop carpal tunnel syndrome three times more frequently than men. It usually occurs only in adults.
Cat Scratch Disease
Detailed information on cat scratch disease, including symptoms and treatment
Cataracts and Cataract Surgery
A cataract is a clouding or opaque area over the lens of the eye—an area that's normally transparent. As less light reaches the retina, it becomes increasingly harder to see and vision may become dull and blurry.
Causes of Skin Cancer
Detailed information on causes and risk factors for skin cancer, including heredity and environment
Celiac Disease
Detailed information on celiac disease, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Cellulitis
Detailed information on cellulitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
When one of the vessels that carry blood to your eye’s retina gets blocked, this can cause painless but usually sudden vision loss in one eye. Doctors call this a central retinal artery occlusion.
Cerebral Aneurysm
A cerebral aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of an artery in the brain. This weak spot raises the risk that the artery wall will burst open.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer develops from abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix that spread deeper or to other tissues or organs. This type of cancer occurs most often in women older than 40.
Cervicitis
Cervicitis is an irritation of the cervix. Acute cervicitis can be caused an infection such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or herpes. Chronic cervicitis is common in women following childbirth.
Chaplain
Chaplains act as spiritual counselors to help patients and families through periods of crisis.
Checklist for Surgery/Consent Forms/Insurance Information
The decision to have surgery is an important one. Here is a checklist to help you prepare. You'll need to arrange a time for any preoperative lab tests and for an interview with the anesthesiologist. Check with your health plan regarding costs and coverage of the surgery.
Chemical Peel
Detailed information on chemical peels, including potential complications and what substances are used for chemical peels
Chemical Poisoning and Syrup of Ipecac
Detailed information on chemical poisoning and syrup of ipecac
Chemotherapy
Detailed information on chemotherapy for treatment of gynecological cancers
Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Treatment
Your oncologist will determine how long and how often you will have chemotherapy treatments. Chemotherapy can be administered intravenously or by pill, and is usually a combination of drugs.
Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Chemotherapy may be used when the cancer has spread outside of the prostate gland, or it may be used in combination with other therapies.
Chickenpox
Detailed information on chickenpox, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and immunity
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Detailed information on chickenpox, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and immunity
Childhood Immunizations
Your little one will need several immunization shots to help protect her from several childhood diseases, some of which can be deadly. Knowing which shots she needs, when, and what to do in the event of a minor reaction is important.
Chin, Cheek, or Jaw Reshaping/Facial Implants
Detailed information on chin reshaping, cheek reshaping, jaw reshaping, and facial implants, including possible facial implant complications
Chinese Medicine
Detailed information on traditional Chinese medicine as a form of alternative therapy
Chiropractic Medicine
Chiropractic medicine is based on the relationship between the alignment of the spine and the function of the body and the belief that the body can heal itself.
Choking and the Heimlich Maneuver
Detailed information on choking, choking prevention, and the Heimlick maneuver
Cholangitis
Detailed information on cholangitis, including symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment
Cholecystitis
Detailed information on cholecystitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Cholera
Detailed information on cholera, including causes, prevention, and treatment
Cholesterol in the Blood
The cholesterol in your blood comes from the foods you eat and your liver—but your liver makes all of the cholesterol your body needs.
Chondroblastoma
A chondroblastoma is a rare type of benign bone tumor that originates from cartilage.
Chondrosarcoma
Chondrosarcoma is a malignant type of bone cancer that primarily affects the cartilage cells of the femur, arm, pelvis, knee, and spine.
Choosing a Provider
When looking for a home health and hospice care provider, consider quality of care, availability of services, personnel training and expertise, and payer coverage.
Choosing a Rehabilitation Unit/CARF
Rehabilitation services are provided in many different places, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the bronchi, which results in increased production of mucus.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Detailed information on chronic fatigue syndrome, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Chronic Liver Disease/Cirrhosis
Detailed information on cirrhosis, chronic liver disease, and fibrosis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Detailed information on chronic lymphocytic leukemia, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Detailed information on chronic myelogenous leukemia, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two most common conditions of COPD.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD)
Detailed information on chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary emphysema
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is longstanding pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Detailed information on chronic venous insufficiency, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and full-color anatomical illustrations
Circumcision
Whether you decided to have your baby boy circumcised or not, it’s important to know how to care for his special needs. Find tips for caring for both circumcised and uncircumcised babies.
Claudication
Detailed information on claudication, including causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and a labeled, full-color anatomical illustration
Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate
Detailed information on craniofacial anomalies, including cleft lip and cleft palate
Clinical Chemistry
Detailed information on clinical chemistry and the most common clinical chemistry tests
Clinical Pathology
Detailed information on clinical pathology and its variety of laboratory specialties, including blood banking, clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, serology, and microbiology
Clinical Pathology Overview
Detailed information on clinical pathology and the specimens that are tested
Clinical Social Worker
A clinical social worker is a professional counselor who helps alleviate problems related to personal, family, or social situations.
Clinical Trials for Prostate Cancer
Several clinical trials to evaluate prostate cancer have been completed or are currently underway.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches occur in groups, or clusters, and individual attacks last one to three hours on average. They may occur every other day—or several times a day.
Cold Sores
Detailed information on cold sores, including symptoms and treatment
Colic
Though the name sounds like a disease, colic is really just a term for excessive crying in an infant. Unfortunately, nobody knows for sure what causes colic, but there are several theories and possible risk factors for the condition.
Collagen/Fat Injectable Fillers
Collagen/fat injectable fillers, also called soft-tissue augmentation, is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed to correct wrinkles, depressions in the skin, and/or scarring.
Colorectal Cancer
Most people who have colorectal cancer are older than 50. This type of cancer is also associated with a diet high in fat and calories and low in fiber.
Common Benign Lumps
The two most common types of benign breast lumps are cysts and fibroadenomas. A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in the breast tissue. Fibroadenomas are solid, smooth, firm, benign lumps that are most commonly found in women in their late teens and early 20s.
Common Breast Conditions
Detailed information on the most common breast conditions, including mastalgia (breast pain), benign breast lumps, fibrocystic breast changes, nipple problems, nipple discharge, breast infections, and breast inflammation
Common Characteristics of Liver Disease
Detailed information on liver diseases, including the most common characteristics of liver disease such as jaundice, cholestasis, liver enlargement, portal hypertension, esophageal varices, ascites, liver encephalopathy, and liver failure
Common Childhood Illness and Concerns
Detailed information on common childhood illnesses and concerns
Common Cold
Detailed information on the common cold, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Common Dermatological Procedures
Detailed information on common dermatological procedures, including acne scar removal, chemical peels, dermabrasion, dermaplaning, and laser skin surgery
Common Discomforts During Pregnancy
Nausea and vomiting are common in the first trimester, as is fatigue. Other common discomforts are hemorrhoids and heartburn.
Common Disorders of the Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis
Detailed information on the most common disorders of the spine, shoulder, and pelvis, including arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, avascular necrosis, bursitis, hip problems, hip replacement, kyphosis, low back pain, neck problems, neck pain, torticollis,
Common Eye Disorders
One common eye disorder is conjunctivitis, sometimes called pink eye. It's an inflammation of the blood vessels in the eye membrane. Another common disorder is a chalazion—a small bump that develops on the upper or lower eyelid.
Common Health Problems Associated With Travel in Developing Countries
Detailed information on common health problems associated with travel in developing countries
Common Infectious Diseases
Detailed information on the most common infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, chickenpox, chronic fatigue syndrome, common cold, diphtheria, E. coli, giardiasis, infectious mononucleosis, influenza (flu), lyme disease, malaria, measles, meningitis, mum
Common Liver Function Tests
Detailed information on the most common liver function tests, including serum bilirubin test, serum albumin test, serum alkaline phosphatase test, serum aminotransferases, prothrombin time test, alanine transaminase test, aspartate transaminase test, gamm
Common Orthopedic Disorders
Detailed information on the most common orthopedic disorders, including arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, elbow pain, elbow problems, cubital tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfers el
Common Skin Disorders
Detailed information on common skin disorders, including acne, bed sore, dry skin, calluses, corns, keratosis pilaris, psoriasis, pityriasis rosea, rosacea, and sebaceous cysts
Common Surgical Procedures
Detailed information on the most common surgical procedures, including appendectomy, breast biopsy, carotid endarterectomy, cataract surgery, cesarean section, cholecystectomy, coronary artery bypass surgery, debridement of wound, dilation and curettage,
Common Tests During Pregnancy
Certain tests and screenings may be scheduled during your pregnancy. Your health care provider will advise you on which tests you'll need.
Common Types of Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
Detailed information on the most common types of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, gout, infectious arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, lyme disease, low back pa
Community Re-Entry
One of the main goals of rehabilitation is to prepare the patient for life after discharge.
Complications of Diabetes
Detailed information on the most common types of diabetes complications and ways to prevent future problems
Complications of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
Side effects of HBOT are generally mild as long as the therapy lasts no longer than two hours and the pressure inside the chamber is less than three times that of the normal pressure in the atmosphere.
Complications of Multiple Pregnancy
Having more than one baby is especially exciting—and complicated. Find out what to watch for, including a greater chance of anemia and preterm birth.
Complications of Pregnancy
Some of the more common complications of pregnancy are miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and bleeding.
Components of Food
When trying to make heart-healthy changes to your lifestyle and diet, it is helpful to know some basics about nutrition.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
A psychiatric evaluation will look at symptoms and when they occur, as well as what impact they have on family and work relationships.
Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan
Detailed information on computed tomography scans, also called CT scan or CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed
Conditions Commonly Treated By Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Detailed information on the conditions most commonly treated by physical medicine and rehabilitation, including acquired brain injury, arthritis, burns, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic pain, back pain, neck pain, multiple sclerosis, spinal
Conditions Investigated by Environmental Medicine Programs
Allergies, asthma, heart disease, and cancer are among the long list of health conditions with ties to environmental factors.
Conditions of Concern to Men
Detailed information on the most common health concerns for men, including male breast cancer, gynecomastia, colorectal cancer, erectile dysfunction (impotence), hair loss, heart attack, high blood pressure (hypertension), insomnia, low back pain, inferti
Conduct Disorder
A child with a conduct disorder has antisocial behaviors that violate the rights of others and age-appropriate social standards and rules.
Congenital Hand Deformities
When one of those precious little hands isn’t as perfectly formed as it should be, an early visit to a hand surgeon should be at the top of your agenda for your newborn.
Congenital Heart Defects
When the heart or blood vessels near the heart do not develop normally before birth, a condition called congenital heart defect occurs.
Congenital Liver Defects
Detailed information on congenital liver defects, including biliary atresia and choledochal cyst
Conjunctivitis
You had conjunctivitis as a child, now your baby has symptoms of it. Your first step should be a call to your doctor, who will make a diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Constipation
Constipation is a condition in which a person has uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Generally, a person is considered to be constipated when bowel movements result in passage of small amounts of hard, dry stool.
Constipation in Children
Common causes of constipation in children: a low-fiber diet, not enough fluids, lack of exercise, and emotional issues.
Contact Dermatitis
Detailed information on contact dermatitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Contraception/Birth Control
You have a lot of options when it comes to birth control. Some methods don't require a doctor's visit, but others, like oral contraceptives, are available only by prescription.
Coping with Prostate Cancer
Detailed information for family members coping with prostate cancer, including how to help the man in your life cope with a diagnosis of prostate cancer
Coronary Heart Disease
A person with coronary heart disease has an accumulation of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries. These deposits narrow the arteries and can decrease or block the flow of blood to the heart.
Correcting or Improving Vision Problems
Detailed information on correcting or improving vision problems
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Index
Detailed information on the most common types of cosmetic plastic surgery, including breast augmentation, breast reduction in men with gynecomastia, chemical peel, chin reshaping, cheek reshaping, jaw reshaping, facial implants, collagen fillers, fat inje
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Overview
Cosmetic plastic surgery is performed in order to change one's appearance. For some, it may mean redesigning the body's contour and shape or the elimination of wrinkles. Others may choose varicose vein treatment or breast augmentation.
Cosmetic Safety for Contact Lens Wearers
Detailed information on cosmetic safety for contact lens wearers
Cowden Syndrome
The risk for breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, and thyroid cancer is increased with Cowden syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.
Craniosynostosis
Craniosynostosis is a condition in which the fibrous joints between the skull’s bony plates close too early, causing problems with normal brain and skull growth.
Creeping Eruption
Detailed information on creeping eruption, including symptoms and treatment
Crohn's Disease
Detailed information on Crohn's disease, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment
Croup
Croup is most common in children younger than 5, with the peak age around 2. Croup occurs most often in winter.
Cruise Ships
Detailed information on traveling healthy while on cruise ships
Cryotherapy (Cold Therapy) for Pain Management
When used to treat injuries at home, cryotherapy refers to cold therapy with ice or gel packs that are usually kept in the freezer until needed. These remain one of the simplest, time-tested remedies for managing pain and swelling.
Cryptosporidiosis
Detailed information on cryptosporidiosis, including transmission, location, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome feels similar to the pain that occurs from hitting the "funny" bone in your elbow. The condition may occur if you frequently bend your elbows, constantly lean on your elbows, or sustain a direct injury to the area.
Current Investigations in Environmental Medicine
Listing of current investigations in environmental medicine
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Detailed information on cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Cystic Fibrosis
Detailed information on cystic fibrosis, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and genetics
Cystocele (Fallen Bladder)
Cystocele is the name for a hernia-like disorder in women that occurs when the wall between the bladder and the vagina weakens, causing the bladder to drop or sag into the vagina.
Cytology
Detailed information on cytology, the study of individual cells to detect abnormal cells
D
Dealing with Discrimination When You Have HIV
Discrimination against people with HIV is often rooted in a lack of understanding about the virus and how it spreads.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) / Thrombophlebitis
Detailed information on deep vein thrombosis and thrombophlebitis, including causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and full-color anatomical illustrations
Dehydration and Heat Stroke
Dehydration and heat stroke are two very common heat-related diseases that can be life threatening if left untreated.
Delivery
In preparation of the delivery, you may be moved into a birthing room or delivery room, or you may remain in the same room for both labor and delivery.
Dengue Fever
Detailed information on dengue fever, including symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment
Dental Care for Infants and Children
Detailed information on dental care for infants and children
Dental Health
Detailed information on dental health for children
Dental Implants
Detailed information on dental implants, including types and potential risks
Dental Procedures
Detailed information on the most common dental procedures, including braces, bleaching, bridges, dentures, dental implants, fillings, root canal, sealants, and wisdom teeth extraction
Dental Sealants
Detailed information on dental sealants
Dentures
Detailed information on the most common types of dentures
Depression
Depression involves the body, mood, and thoughts, and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, feels about himself or herself, and thinks about things.
Depression and Suicide
More than 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental disorder—most commonly a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder.
Dermabrasion/Dermaplaning
Dermabrasion involves a surgeon using a high speed rotating brush to remove the top layer of skin. This is done to remove fine wrinkles or minimize scars.
Dermatitis
Detailed information on dermatitis, including the different types of dermatitis such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, dermatitis herpetiformis, generalized exfoliative dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, localized scratch dermatitis, numm
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Detailed information on dermatitis herpetiformis, including symptoms, triggers, diagnosis, and treatment
Describing a Skin Condition
Detailed information on questions a physician may ask you in describing your dermatological condition and its location
Designing an Exercise Program
To improve your heart and lung fitness, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week.
Determining Your Body Mass Index
Your BMI gives a fairly accurate assessment of how much of your body is composed of fat.
Deviated Septum
Detailed information on deviated septum and septoplasty, a reconstructive plastic surgery performed to correct an improperly formed nasal septum
Diabetes (Type 1, 2, and Gestational)
Detailed information on type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes, including causes, symptoms, complications, risk factors, and treatment
Diabetes and Heart Disease
Diabetes affects the cardiovascular system, but many problems aren't apparent until a person has a heart attack or stroke.
Diabetes and High Blood Pressure
If you have diabetes, you are twice as likely to have high blood pressure. Untreated, high blood pressure can raise your risk for heart disease.
Diabetes and Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to gum disease, which is an infection of the gums and bone that hold the teeth in place.
Diabetes Insipidus
Detailed information on diabetes insipidus, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Diabetes Statistics
Looking for vital diabetes facts and figures? Here are statistics for both patients and consumers.
Diabetic Foot Problems
Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet, as well as lead to blood vessel disease. These conditions make it more difficult to notice when you injure your foot or develop a sore.
Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease)
Nephropathy is the deterioration of the kidneys. The final stage of nephropathy is called end-stage renal disease, or ESRD.
Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Problems)
The risk of developing nerve damage, or neuropathy, increases the longer a person has diabetes. About half of people with diabetes have some form of neuropathy.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease in people with diabetes and a leading cause of blindness in the United States. If you have diabetes, you can reduce your risk for this disorder by keeping your blood sugar levels under tight control.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Eye Problems
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina.
Diagnosing Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases.
Diagnosing Benign (Noncancerous) Breast Conditions
To diagnose a breast condition, your doctor will examine your breasts and may order imaging tests or a biopsy.
Diagnosing Diabetes
If you're older than 45, you should be tested for diabetes. If you are younger, you should be tested if you are at high risk.
Diagnosing Hand Conditions
In some cases, a diagnosis can be made simply based on a physical examination. In other cases, though, tests may be needed to help confirm the diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Staging of Melanoma
Detailed information on diagnosis and staging of melanoma, including use of excisional biopsy, incisional biopsy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, punch biopsy, shave biopsy, and skin biopsy
Diagnosis and Treatment for Migraines
To help diagnose a migraine, your doctor may ask you when your headaches occur, how long they last, and what they feel like.
Diagnostic and Evaluation Procedures for Prostate Cancer
Your doctor may evaluate possible prostate problems with an annual physical and a digital rectal exam or a test for prostate-specific antigen.
Diagnostic Procedures for Allergy
Detailed information on allergy testing, including blood testing (rast testing) and scratch testing
Diagnostic Procedures for Bone Disorders
Detailed information on diagnostic procedures for bone disorders, including bone densitometry, radionuclide bone scan, and biopsy
Diagnostic Procedures for Breast Cancer
It is important to remember that a lump or other changes in the breast, or an abnormal area on a mammogram, may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious problems.
Diagnostic Procedures for Cancer: Overview
Detailed information on the most common diagnostic procedures for cancer
Diagnostic Radiology
Detailed information on the most common procedures used for diagnostic radiology, including arteriogram, barium x-ray, computed tomography scan, fluoroscopy, intravenous pyelogram, magnetic resonance imaging, mammogram, ultrafast CT scan, ultrasound, x ra
Diagnostic Tests for Neurological Disorders
Evaluating and diagnosing damage to the nervous system is complicated and complex. Many of the same symptoms occur in different combinations among the different disorders.
Diaper Dermatitis
Detailed information on diaper dermatitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Diarrhea
Detailed information on diarrhea, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Diarrhea in Children
Diarrhea is defined either as watery stool or increased frequency of stool—or both—when compared with a normal amount. It is a common problem that may last a few days and disappear on its own.
Diarrheal Diseases
Detailed information on the most common types of diarrheal diseases, including cryptosporidiosis, diarrhea, traveler's diarrhea, salmonella infection, and giardiasis
Diet and Cardiovascular Disease
The Choose My Plate plan from the federal government is a guideline to help you eat a healthy diet.
Diet for Lactose Intolerance
Detailed information on lactose intolerance, including a list of foods that contain lactose
Dietary Supplements
Adding anything to your regular diet to improve your health or healing is considered a dietary supplement.
Digestive Diagnostic Procedures
Detailed information on the most common procedures used to diagnosis digestive disorders
Digestive Disorders
Detailed information on the most common types of digestive disorders, including appendicitis, Barrett's esophagus, celiac disease, constipation, crohn's disease, diarrhea, diverticular disease, gas, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastr
Diphtheria
Detailed information on diphtheria, including symptoms, transmission, treatment, and prevention
Discharge Planning
Detailed information on discharge planning after surgery
Discipline
Detailed information on disciplining a child, including information on time-out, temper tantrum, lying, stealing, and television and children
Disorders of the Adrenal Glands
Detailed information on disorders of the adrenal glands
Disorders of the Biliary System
Detailed information on the most common disorders of the biliary system, including gallstones, cholangitis, cholecystitis, biliary cirrhosis, and biliary duct cancer
Disorders of the Liver
Detailed information on disorders of the liver, including alcohol-induced liver disease, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, congenital defects, hepatitis, liver tumors, and liver transplantation
Disorders of the Pancreas
Detailed information on pancreas disorders, including pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer
Disorders of the Parathyroid Glands
Detailed information on disorders of the parathyroid gland
Disorders of the Pituitary Gland
Detailed information on pituitary gland disorders, including acromegaly, diabetes insipidus, empty sella syndrome, hypopituitarism, and pituitary gland tumors
Disorders of the Thyroid
Detailed information on disorders of the thyroid, including hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease, toxic nodular goiter, thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid tumor, hypothyroidism and pregnancy, postpartum thyroiditis, and thyroid horm
Diverticular Disease
Detailed information on diverticular disease, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Doctors and Specialists
Detailed information on the physicians and specialists that treat disorders of the spine, shoulder, and pelvis
Domestic Violence
Abuse often begins with verbal behaviors such as name-calling, threats, and hitting or throwing objects. It can become worse, including pushing, slapping, and holding against the victim's will.
Drug Rashes
Detailed information on different types of drug rashes, including acne, exfoliative dermatitis, fixed drug eruption, hives, morbiliform/maculopapular rash, purpuric eruptions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Drug-Induced Hepatitis
Detailed information on drug-induced hepatitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Dry Skin
Detailed information on dry skin, including treatment
Dupuytren's Contracture
This disease usually begins with a thickening of the skin in the palm of the hand. This may develop into a hard lump or thick band that eventually causes the fingers to contract.
Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual condition marked by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain. Dysmenorrhea can be either lifelong or caused by another medical condition.
Dysthymia
Dysthymia is a mood disorder similar to major depression. It has less severe symptoms than depression, but the symptoms linger for several years.
E
Ear Infections
Detailed information on ear infections, including otitis externa (swimmer's ear) and otitis media
Ear Pinning
Detailed information on ear pinning surgery, including who might be a candidate for the procedure and possible complications of the procedure
Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions
Detailed information on ear, nose, and throat conditions in children
Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Detailed information on ear, nose, and throat disorders, including hearing disorders, balance disorders, smell disorders, taste disorders, chemosensory disorders, speech disorders, voice disorders, language disorders, vocal cord disorders, and laryngeal cancer.
Ear, Nose, and Throat Facts
The ear consists of three areas—the outer, middle, and inner ear. The nose is the organ of smell and is part of the peripheral nervous system. The throat is a ring-like muscular tube that acts as the passageway for air, food, and liquid.
Ears and Airplane Travel, Ear Wax, and Ear Cleaning
Detailed information on ears and airplane travel, ear wax, and ear cleaning
Eating Disorders
Detailed information on the most common types of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder
Eating Disorders in Children
Detailed information on adolescents and eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and obesity
Echocardiography (Echo)
Detailed information on a echocardiography (echo) procedure, including how the procedure is performed, reasons for the procedure, and pre- and post-evaluation instructions
Effective Breastfeeding
Think there’s only one way to breast-feed? Think again! Moms can position their babies in several positions during feeding time that can be comfortable for both.
Effective Sucking
It’s important for your baby’s health to be able to effectively remove milk from your breast during nursing. To do this, your baby must learn the proper way to suck. But how do you know if your baby is actually getting the nutrition he/she needs? Here’s a guide to help you.
Effects of Rehabilitation on the Family
One of the most important factors in a patient's recovery is family involvement and support in his or her rehab.
Effects of Stroke (Brain Attack)
When an area of the brain is damaged, which typically occurs with a stroke, an impairment may result. An impairment is the loss of normal function of part of the body. Sometimes, an impairment may result in a disability, or inability to perform an activity in a normal way.
Effects of Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure
Detailed information on the effects of ultraviolet light and the increased risk of skin cancer, premature aging, cataracts, and immune system damage
Egg Allergy Diet
Detailed information on egg allergy, a type of food allergy, including egg-free recipes and egg substitutes
Elbow Pain and Problems
Detailed information on elbow pain and problems
Elder Care
Elder care encompasses a wide variety of issues, including choosing an appropriate doctor to care for an aging patient, and making decisions about moving an elderly adult from the home environment to a residential care setting.
Electric and Magnetic Fields
Detailed information on electric and magnetic fields
Electrocardiogram (EKG) / Stress Test / Holter Monitor
Detailed information on an electrocardiogram (EKG) procedure, including how the procedure is performed, reasons for the procedure, and pre- and post-evaluation instructions
Electromagnetic Therapy
Detailed information on electromagnetic therapy, also called bioelectricity, magnetobiology, magnetic field therapy, and magnetic healing, as a form of alternative therapy
Emergency Information Form
In an emergency, it is easy to "forget" even the most well-known information. That's why it is crucial for you to complete the information in this form for each member of your household.
Emerging Infectious Diseases
Detailed information on emerging infectious diseases and how travelers can minimize their risk of infectious diseases
Empty Sella Syndrome
Detailed information on empty sella syndrome, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Encephalitis
Encephalitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the brain. The inflammation causes the brain to swell, which leads to changes in a person's neurologic condition, including mental confusion and seizures.
Enchondroma
Enchondromas are the most common type of hand tumor. Although they may affect people of any age, they are most common between ages 10 and 20.
End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Detailed information on end-stage renal disease, including renal failure symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Endocrinology Statistics
Statistics relating to endocrine disorders
Endometrial Cancer
Cancer of the endometrium is a disease in which cancerous cells are found in the lining of the uterus. It is highly curable when found early.
Endometriosis
Women with endometriosis develop tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue outside the uterus, usually on other reproductive organs inside the pelvis or in the abdominal cavity.
Environmental Disease Factors
Detailed information on environmental disease factors, including mold, air pollution, asthma triggers, carbon monoxide poisoning, lead poisoning, radon, multiple chemical sensitivity, electric and magnetic fields, and Gulf war syndrome
Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of the occurrence of disease in people, and applying that information from the study to the control of health problems.
Epidural Corticosteroid Injections
If you are experiencing intense, intractable pain in your legs or arms from inflamed spinal nerves, then an epidural steroid injection might be the preferred treatment to quickly give you relief.
Epilepsy and Seizures
Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system and affects people of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)/Impotence
Although in the past, impotence was commonly believed to be caused by psychological problems, it is now known that up to 90 percent of cases stem from physical problems, usually related to the blood supply of the penis.
Erythema Multiforme
Detailed information on erythema multiforme, including symptoms and treatment
Erythema Nodosum
Detailed information on erythema nodosum, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Escherichia coli O157:H7
Detailed information on E. coli, including symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and prevention
Esophageal Cancer
Detailed information on esophageal cancer, including symptoms, stages, types, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment
Estrogen's Effects on the Female Body
In addition to regulating the menstrual cycle, estrogen affects the reproductive tract, the urinary tract, the heart and blood vessels, bones, breasts, skin, hair, mucous membranes, pelvic muscles, and the brain.
Evaluation Procedures
To help the orthopedist determine your treatment, you'll need a physical exam, a medical history profile, and a description of symptoms.
Evaluation Procedures for Stroke
Tests that may be used to help diagnose a stroke include a CT scan or MRI, and an electroencephalogram.
Ewing Sarcoma in Adults
Ewing sarcoma can occur in any bone, but is most often found in the extremities and can involve muscle and the soft tissues around the tumor site.
Excessive Hairiness (Hirsutism)
Detailed information on excessive hairiness, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment
Excessive Sweating
Detailed information on excessive sweating, including symptoms and treatment
Exercise
Exercise doesn't have to be vigorous to offer health benefits. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily, or on most days of the week.
Exercise and the Aging Person
Exercise is good for people of all ages. It helps lower blood pressure, reduces the risks for falls and serious injuries, and slows the body's loss of muscle and bone mass.
Exercise During Pregnancy
If you exercised before pregnancy, you can safely continue exercising. If you were inactive or you have medical complications, talk with your doctor before beginning to exercise.
Exercise: Before Starting an Exercise Program
It is always important to talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program, particularly if you have certain health conditions.
Exercise: The Right Program and the Right Preparation
You don't have to exercise for long periods of time—or even vigorously—to become fit. You do need to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
Expectant Therapy
Expectant therapy is to "watch and wait" while carefully observing and monitoring the prostate cancer.
External Beam Therapy
External beam therapy is a type of therapeutic radiology that is delivered externally from a machine directed to the cancer inside the patient. Examples of external beam therapy machines include linear accelerators, cobalt machines, or orthovoltage X-ray machines.
Eye Care Specialists
An ophthalmologist is either a medical doctor (M.D.) or an osteopathic physician (D.O.). An optometrist is a doctor of optometry (O.D.) but is not a medical doctor. An optician is a technician who fits eyeglasses.
Eye Conditions
Detailed information on eye conditions in children
Eye Disorders
Detailed information on the most common eye disorders, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, refractive errors, and retinitis pigmentosa
Eye Examinations
During an eye exam, an eye doctor reviews your medical history and completes a series of tests to determine the health of your eyes.
Eye Injury (Black Eye)
Detailed information on ecchymosis or bruising of the eye
Eye Safety
Detailed information on eye safety and tips to avoid eye injury
Eye Safety at the Computer
Detailed information on eye safety at the computer and ways to avoid eye strain
Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
Eyeglasses are the most common form of eyewear used to correct or improve many types of vision problems. Contact lenses are worn directly on the cornea of the eye.
Eyelid Lift
This procedure can remove puffiness or bags under the eyes, and can also correct droopy eyelids.
F
Facelift
During a facelift procedure, excess facial fat is removed, facial muscles are tightened, and the skin is stretched to make a smoother appearance.
Facts About Blood
Detailed information on blood, including components of blood, functions of blood cells and common hematology tests
Facts About Diabetes
Diabetes affects the way the body metabolizes, or uses, digested food to make glucose, the main source of fuel for the body.
Facts About Skin Cancer
Statistics relating to skin cancer
Facts About the Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis
Detailed anatomical description of the spine, shoulder, and pelvis, including full-color, labeled illustrations
Fever
Detailed information on fever, including when to call your physician
Fevers
When your child has a fever, the body resets its thermostat at a higher temperature. This helps the body fight off invading microorganisms.
Fibrocystic Breast Changes
Detailed information on common fibrocystic breast changes, including what fibrocystic changes feel like
Fibromyalgia
Detailed information on fibromyalgia, including cause, triggers, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Fibrous Dysplasia
Fibrous dysplasia is a chronic disorder in which bone expands because of abnormal development of fibrous tissue.
Fifth Disease
Fifth disease is caused by the human parvovirus. It is most prevalent in the winter and spring and is usually seen in school-aged children.
Fire Safety
Detailed information on fire and burn safety
Firearm Safety for Parents
Detailed information on firearm safety and prevention
Firearms Safety
Detailed information on firearm safety and prevention
First Aid for Eyes
Detailed information on first-aid for eyes and eye safety
First-Aid Kit
Detailed list of recommended items for a household first-aid kit
Fish Poisoning
At certain times of the year, various species of fish and shellfish contain toxins, even if well cooked. The most common type of fish poisoning in travelers is ciguatera fish poisoning.
Flat or Inverted Nipples
Detailed information on breastfeeding and flat or inverted nipples
Fleas, Mites, and Chiggers
Detailed information on flea, mite, and chiggers bites
Flossing
Detailed information on the importance of proper flossing technique
Fluoride
Detailed information on fluoride
Fluoroscopy
Detailed information on fluoroscopy, including information on how the procedure is performed
Folliculitis, Boils, and Carbuncles
Detailed information on folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles
Food Allergies
Detailed information on food allergy, including food intolerance and food allergy symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Food Allergies in Children
Detailed information on food allergy, including cause, symptoms, and treatment
Food Poisoning
Detailed information on food poisoning, including causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention
Food-Drug Interactions
A food-drug interaction can occur when the food you eat affects the ingredients in a medication you are taking, preventing the medicine from working the way it should.
Foot Pain and Problems
Foot pain is often caused by improper foot function. Improperly fitted shoes can worsen and, in some cases, cause foot problems.
For Family Members Coping with Prostate Cancer
What can you do to help the man in your life with prostate cancer? Keep the lines of communication open.
For Parents: Bicycle, In-Line Skating, Skateboard Safety
Detailed information on bicycle, in-line skating, and skateboarding safety
Forehead Lift
A forehead lift can correct sagging brows or deep furrows between the eyes. It is often done in conjunction with a facelift, in order to create a smoother facial appearance overall.
Forms of Diabetes
Detailed information on the three forms of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes
Fractures
A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. When a fracture occurs, it is classified as either open or closed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)
Do cell phones interfere with pacemakers? Do ICDs need to be adjusted? Here are answers to these and other questions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Mammograms
Timing your mammogram when your breasts are not tender is important. In premenopausal women, this is usually one week after a menstrual period.
Frostbite
Detailed information on frostbite, including symptoms and what to do if frostbite occurs
Fungal Infections of the Skin
Detailed information on fungal infections of the skin, including candidiasis (yeast infection), tinea infection (ringworm), and tinea versicolor
G
G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) Deficiency
Detailed information on g6pd deficiency, including cause, diagnosis, and treatment
Gallstones
Detailed information on gallstones, including symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment
Gangrene
Gangrene is a dangerous and potentially fatal condition that happens when the blood flow to a large group of tissues is cut off.
Gas in the Digestive Tract
Detailed information on gas in the digestive tract, including a list of foods that cause gas, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Gastric Bypass (Malabsorptive) Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery involves bypassing a part of the small intestine that absorbs nutrients. For this reason, these surgeries are referred to as malabsorptive procedures.
Gastric Stapling (Restrictive) Surgery
Gastric stapling surgery is a type of weight loss surgery that limits the amount of food a person can eat.
Gastritis
Detailed information on gastritis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)/Heartburn
Gastroesophageal reflux is the return of acidic stomach juices, or food and fluids, back up into the esophagus.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)/Heartburn in Children
Detailed information on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Gastrointestinal Conditions
Detailed information on gastrointestinal conditions in children
Gastroparesis
Detailed information on gastroparesis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
General Information About Breast Cancer
Ductal carcinoma, lobular carcinoma, and Paget's disease are several types of breast cancer.
General Information About Cancer: Overview
Detailed information on cancer, including cancer diagnosis, cancer staging, cancer grading, cancer treatment, cancer surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, biological therapy, and cancer clinical trials
General Principles of Discipline
Most children need to be given consistent, clear rules and expectations about behavior. Discipline needs to begin as soon as the child is mobile—pulling up and crawling.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
A person with generalized anxiety disorder often worries excessively about health, money, family, or work, and continually anticipates disaster.
Generalized Exfoliative Dermatitis
Detailed information on generalized exfoliative dermatitis, including symptoms, causes, and treatment
Genetics of Breast Cancer
Detailed information on the genetics of breast cancer, including information on hereditary breast ovarian cancer syndrome, brca1, brca2, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, and ataxia telangiectasia
Genetics of Ovarian Cancer
Detailed information on the genetics of ovarian cancer, including hereditary breast ovarian cancer syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, ovarian cancer and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, and basal cell nevus syndrome (Gorlin syndrome)
Genitourinary Conditions
Detailed information on genital and urinary conditions in children
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a condition in which a pregnant woman has elevated glucose levels and other symptoms of diabetes—but did not have diabetes before she became pregnant.
Getting Started
The first weeks of breastfeeding should be considered a learning period for both you and your baby. Don't expect to work as a coordinated team immediately.
Giant Cell Tumor
Giant cell tumors most often appear in the knee, but they can also involve the bones of the arms and the legs, or the flat bones such as the breastbone or pelvis.
Giardiasis
Detailed information on giardiasis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition in which the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises because the fluid aqueous humor is not able to drain properly. This pressure damages the optic nerve.
Glomerulonephritis
Detailed information on glomerulonephritis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Glomerulosclerosis
Detailed information on glomerulosclerosis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Glossary - Allergy and Asthma
Online medical glossary of terms relating to allergy and asthma written for patients and consumers
Glossary - Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
Online medical glossary of terms relating to arthritis and other rheumatic diseases written for patients and consumers
Glossary - Bone Disorders
Glossary of terms relating to bone disorders written for patients and consumers
Glossary - Breast Health
Glossary of terms relating to breast health written for patients and consumers
Glossary - Cardiovascular Diseases
Glossary of terms relating to cardiovascular disease and heart healthy living
Glossary - Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Glossary of terms relating to complementary and alternative medicine for patients and consumers
Glossary - Comprehensive Glossary - Home
Glossary - Dermatology
Glossary of terms relating to dermatology and common skin conditions for patients and consumers
Glossary - Diabetes
Glossary of terms relating to diabetes for patients and consumers
Glossary - Digestive Disorders
Glossary of terms relating to digestive disorders for patients and consumers
Glossary - Endocrinology
Glossary of terms relating to endocrine disorders for patients and consumers
Glossary - Environmental Medicine
Glossary of terms relating to environmental medicine
Glossary - Eye Care
Glossary of terms relating to eye care
Glossary - Gynecological Health
Glossary of terms relating to gynecological health
Glossary - Hematology and Blood Disorders
Online medical glossary of terms relating to hematology and blood disorders written for patients and consumers
Glossary - Home Health, Hospice, and Elder Care
Glossary of terms relating to home health, hospice, and elder care
Glossary - Infectious Diseases
Glossary of terms relating to infectious diseases
Glossary - Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders
Glossary of terms relating to liver, biliary, and pancreatic disorders
Glossary - Men's Health
Glossary of terms relating to men's health
Glossary - Mental Health Disorders
Glossary of terms relating to mental health
Glossary - Nervous System Disorders
A glossary of terms relating to the nervous system.
Glossary - Nontraumatic Emergencies
Glossary of terms relating to non-traumatic emergencies
Glossary - Oral Health
Glossary of terms relating to oral health
Glossary - Orthopedic Surgery
Glossary of terms relating to orthopedics
Glossary - Otolaryngology
Glossary of terms relating to ear, nose, and throat disorders for patients and consumers
Glossary - Pathology
Glossary of terms relating to pathology and laboratory science
Glossary - Pediatrics
Glossary of terms relating to pediatrics
Glossary - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Glossary of terms relating to physical medicine and rehabilitation
Glossary - Plastic Surgery
Glossary of terms relating to plastic surgery
Glossary - Pregnancy and Childbirth
Glossary of terms relating to pregnancy and childbirth
Glossary - Prostate Health
Glossary of terms relating to prostate health
Glossary - Radiology
Glossary of terms relating to radiology
Glossary - Respiratory Disorders
Online medical glossary of terms relating to respiratory disorders written for patients and consumers
Glossary - Skin Cancer
Glossary of terms relating to skin cancer
Glossary - Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis Disorders
Glossary of terms relating to disorders of the spine, shoulder, and pelvis
Glossary - Surgical Care
Glossary of terms relating to surgery
Glossary - Travel Medicine
Glossary of terms relating to travel medicine
Glossary - Urology
Glossary of terms relating to urology
Glossary - Women's Health
Glossary of terms relating to women's health
Glucose Monitoring
You can monitor your blood sugar at home with one of a variety of devices that use a small sample of blood.
Goodpasture Syndrome
Detailed information on Goodpasture syndrome, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Gout
Gout is marked by inflamed, painful joints because of the formation of crystal deposits in them.
Grading and Staging of Cancer
Grading and staging cancer helps determine the best treatment.
Grading of Prostate Cancer
The cancer grading system is based on a number range. The lower the number, the lower the grade, and the slower the cancer is growing.
Granuloma Annulare
Detailed information on granuloma annulare, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Grief and Loss
Grief moves in and out of stages from disbelief and denial, to anger and guilt, to finding a source of comfort, to eventually adjusting to the loss.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The disorder usually occurs a few days or weeks after a person has had symptoms of a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection.
Gulf War Syndrome
Detailed information on Gulf war syndrome, including symptoms, causes, treatment, and research
Gynecologic Inflammations and Infections
Detailed information on the most common gynecological inflammations and infections, including vulvitis, vaginitis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease
Gynecological Anatomy
Detailed anatomical description of the female pelvis, including simple definitions and labeled, full-color illustrations
Gynecological Cancers
Detailed information on the most common types of gynecological cancers, including symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment
Gynecological Concerns
Detailed information on the most common gynecological concerns, including sexually transmitted diseases, endometriosis, pelvic pain, menstrual conditions, premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, gynec
Gynecological Conditions
Detailed information on the most common gynecological conditions
Gynecological Inflammations and Infections
Detailed information on the most common gynecological inflammations and infections, including vulvitis, vaginitis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease
H
Hair Loss
Hair loss is believed to be primarily caused by a combination of factors, including aging, changing hormones, illness, and family history.
Hair Problems
Detailed information on hair problems, including baldness (alopecia), excessive hairiness (hirsutism), and ingrown hairs
Hair Replacement Surgery
Detailed information on hair loss and hair replacement surgery
Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Detailed information on halitosis (bad breath), including causes and treatment
Hand Pain and Problems
Common hand problems include arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and ganglion cysts.
Hand Surgery
Detailed information on hand surgery for different hand conditions
Hand Washing
Use warm water to wet your hands, then apply soap. Rub your hands together for at least 10 seconds. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Detailed information on Hashimoto's thyroiditis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Head Injury
A head injury can be as mild as a bump, bruise, or cut on the head, or can be moderate to severe because of a concussion, deep cut, fractured skull bone(s), or internal bleeding.
Head Injury in Children
The more common causes of head injury in children are falls, motor vehicle accidents—in which the child is either a passenger or a pedestrian—or a result of child abuse.
Headache
Headaches vary greatly in terms of pain location, pain intensity, and how frequently they occur.
Headaches in Children
Many headaches in children may be caused by tight muscles and dilated blood vessels in the head. Other headaches may be caused by an actual problem, such as a tumor or malformation of the brain, although this is much less common.
Health Care Guidelines For Men
Use these guidelines as a reminder to take care of your personal health care needs, and also as a list of topics to discuss with your doctor.
Health Promotion and Prevention
Detailed information on health promotion and disease prevention for women, including information on breast health, breast cancer prevention, breast self-examination, mammography, birth control, pap test, preconception care, heart disease prevention, safer
Healthy Child Lifestyles
Detailed information on healthy child lifestyles, including information on dental health, nutrition, vision, speech, hearing, sleep, toilet-training, and discipline
Healthy Cooking Tips for People with Diabetes
Steam vegetables in low-fat broth or water, and use vegetable oil spray instead of oil, shortening, or butter.
Healthy Eating During Adolescence
Encourage your teen to eat three balanced meals a day, with fruits or vegetables as snacks.
Healthy Sleep Habits
The normal amount of sleep varies depending on the age of your child. A 2-year-old needs 10 to 12 hours a night, plus naps during the day. By age 6, a child usually has dropped naps, but still needs 10 hours at night.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are electronic or battery-operated devices that can amplify and change sound. A microphone receives the sound and converts it into sound waves. The sound waves are then converted into electrical signals.
Hearing and Speech Communication Services and Devices
In addition to hearing aids, many other devices are available to help improve communication in daily life. These range from telephone amplifiers to visual alarm systems.
Hearing Disorders
Detailed information on the most common types of hearing disorders, including hearing loss, presbycusis, tinnitus, usher syndrome, and noise-induced hearing loss
Hearing Loss
In some people, hearing loss can be surgically corrected. For others, medical devices and rehabilitation therapies often can help reduce hearing loss.
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when the blood supply is cut off from the heart muscle, usually because of a blood clot. Without blood and oxygen, the muscle cells are damaged and die.
Heart Murmurs
Heart murmurs may be caused by a number of factors or diseases, including defective heart valves, fever, and pregnancy.
Heart Valve Diseases
Heart valves can malfunction on one of two ways: They can fail to close completely, allowing blood to flow backward, or they can become damaged, limiting blood flow.
Heat-Related Illnesses (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke)
Children and teens are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses for several reasons. They adjust more slowly to changes in air temperature. They also produce more heat with activity and sweat less.
Helicobacter Pylori
Detailed information on helicobacter pylori, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Hematology
Detailed information on hematology, the study of blood and its disorders
Hematuria (Blood in the Urine)
Detailed information on hematuria, including cause, diagnosis, and treatment
Hemochromatosis
Detailed information on hemochromatosis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Hemolytic Anemia
Detailed information on aplastic anemia, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Detailed information on hemolytic uremic syndrome, including cause, progression, treatment, and statistics
Hemophilia
Detailed information on hemophilia, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are blood vessels normally present in and around the anus and lower rectum that have become swollen because of stretching under pressure. Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women.
Hepatitis
Detailed information on the different types of hepatitis, including viral hepatitis, hepatitis a, hepatitis b, and hepatitis c
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious and sometimes serious liver disease. The hepatitis A virus is transmitted by eating food or drinking water contaminated with infected feces.
Hepatitis B
Detailed information on hepatitis B, including causes, symptoms, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
Hepatitis C
Detailed information on hepatitis C, including causes, symptoms, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
Herbal Medicine
Detailed information on herbal medicine and warnings for use of herbal supplements, including Black cohosh, Echinacea, Evening primrose, Feverfew, Garlic, Gingko biloba, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Green tea, Hawthorn, Saw palmetto, and St. John's wort
Herbal Remedies For Prostate Cancer
Talk with your health care provider before using any type of dietary or herbal supplements in the treatment or prevention of prostate cancer.
Hereditary Breast Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (BRCA1/BRCA2)
A woman with this syndrome may develop breast cancer before age 50 and is at higher risk for developing cancer in both breasts or in both the breasts and ovaries.
Hiatal Hernia
Detailed information on hiatal hernias, including causes and treatment
High Blood Pressure/Hypertension
High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk for coronary heart disease (heart attack) and stroke (brain attack).
High-Risk Diseases for Travelers
Detailed information on the most common high risk diseases for travelers, including African trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness), mad cow disease, HIV, AIDS, cholera, e. coli, dengue fever, diarrheal disease, cryptosporidiosis, diarrhea, traveler's
Hip Fracture
A hip fracture is classified by the specific area of the break and the type of break(s) in the bone. It is a serious injury and requires immediate medical attention.
Hip Problems
Detailed information on the most common types of hip problems, including arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis, bursitis, trochanteric bursa, ischial bursa, and hip pointer
Hip Replacement Surgery
This surgery may be considered as treatment after a hip fracture or for someone who has severe arthritis.
History of Stroke
Hippocrates, the father of medicine, first recognized stroke over 2,400 years ago. At this time stroke was called apoplexy, which means "struck down by violence" in Greek.
HIV and AIDS
AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, which kills or impairs cells of the immune system and progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers.
HIV and Dementia
AIDS dementia is a debilitating consequence of HIV infection and is typically seen in advanced stages of the disease.
HIV/AIDS and Skin Conditions
Skin conditions are common in people with HIV/AIDS. Many are caused by germs that take advantage of a weakened immune system.
Hodgkin Disease
Detailed information on Hodgkin's lymphoma, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment
Home Health Care Overview
Many types of medical and social home health care services are available: nursing care, physical therapy, pharmacy services, transportation, and home-delivered meals.
Home Health Care Statistics
Medical conditions that most frequently require home health care include diabetes, heart failure, chronic ulcer of the skin, osteoarthritis, and hypertension.
Home Page - Allergy and Asthma
Detailed information on allergy and asthma, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, control, and treatment
Home Page - Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
Detailed information on arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, including types, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the condition
Home Page - Bone Disorders
Detailed information on the anatomy of human bones and the most common bone disorders
Home Page - Breast Health
Detailed information on breast health, anatomy of the breast, breast development, breast cancer prevention, common breast conditions, and breast cancer in males and females
Home Page - Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and rheumatic heart disease.
Home Page - Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Detailed information on different forms of complementary and alternative therapy, including information on safety and risks
Home Page - Dental and Oral Health
Detailed information on dental and oral health in children
Home Page - Dermatology
Detailed information on dermatology and common skin conditions
Home Page - Diabetes
Detailed information on diabetes, including facts, statistics, types, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and management
Home Page - Digestive Disorders
Detailed information on digestive disorders, including anatomy of the digestive system, digestive disorders diagnosis, digestive disorders medications, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, and stomach cancer
Home Page - Endocrinology
Detailed information on endocrine disorders
Home Page - Environmental Medicine
Detailed information on environmental disease factors, including mold, air pollution, asthma triggers, carbon monoxide poisoning, lead poisoning, radon, multiple chemical sensitivity, electric and magnetic fields, and Gulf war syndrome
Home Page - Eye Care
Detailed information on eye care, including anatomy of the eye, eye care specialists, eye examinations, correcting or improving vision, low vision, eye disorders, and eye safety
Home Page - Gynecological Health
Detailed information on gynecological health, including anatomy of the female pelvis, gynecological statistics, menstrual conditions, menopause, gynecological inflammations, gynecological infections, hysterectomy, and gynecological cancers
Home Page - Hematology and Blood Disorders
Detailed information on hematology and blood disorders
Home Page - Home Health, Hospice, and Elder Care
Detailed information on home health, hospice, and elder care, including types of provides, paying for care, and choosing a provider
Home Page - Infectious Diseases
Detailed information on the most common infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, chickenpox, chronic fatigue syndrome, common cold, diphtheria, E. coli, giardiasis, infectious mononucleosis, influenza (flu), lyme disease, malaria, measles, meningitis, mum
Home Page - Kidney and Urinary System Disorders Home
Detailed information on urology, the branch of medicine concerned with the urinary tract in both genders, and with the genital tract or reproductive system in the male
Home Page - Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders
Detailed information on liver, biliary, and pancreatic disorders
Home Page - Men's Health
Detailed information on the most common health concerns for men, including male breast cancer, gynecomastia, colorectal cancer, erectile dysfunction (impotence), hair loss, heart attack, high blood pressure (hypertension), insomnia, low back pain, inferti
Home Page - Mental Health Disorders
Detailed information on mental health disorders, including the psychiatric evaluation, the psychiatric treatment team, seeking mental health treatment, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, substance ab
Home Page - Nervous System Disorders
The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates the body's basic functions and activities. It is made up of two major divisions: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
Home Page - Non-Traumatic Emergencies
Detailed information on potential emergency situations and conditions, including animal bites, rabies, cat scratch disease, appendicitis, asthma attack, chest pain, heart attack, dehydration, heat stroke, fever, food allergy, food-drug interaction, frostb
Home Page - Oral Health
Detailed information on oral and dental heathcare
Home Page - Orthopedic Surgery
Detailed information on the most common orthopedic disorders, including arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, elbow pain, elbow problems, cubital tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfers el
Home Page - Otolaryngology
Detailed information on ear, nose, and throat disorders, including hearing disorders, balance disorders, smell disorders, taste disorders, chemosensory disorders, speech disorders, voice disorders, language disorders, vocal cord disorders, and laryngeal c
Home Page - Pathology
Detailed information on pathology, the study of disease
Home Page - Pediatrics
Detailed information on common childhood illnesses and concerns
Home Page - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Detailed information on physical medicine and rehabilitation
Home Page - Plastic Surgery
Detailed information on plastic surgery, including cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery
Home Page - Pregnancy and Childbirth
Detailed information on pregnancy and childbirth, including information on birth statistics, pregnancy planning, preconception care, prenatal care, pregnancy discomforts, pregnancy tests, pregnancy risks, pregnancy warning signs, labor and delivery, breas
Home Page - Prostate Health
Detailed information on prostate health, including prostate conditions, prostate cancer, anatomy of the prostate, prostatism, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, impotence, and urinary incontinence
Home Page - Radiology
Detailed information on radiology, including the radiologist, the radiology team, radiological imaging, diagnostic radiology, therapeutic radiology, radiation oncology, and interventional radiology
Home Page - Respiratory Disorders
Detailed information on respiratory disorders, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, control, and treatment
Home Page - Skin Cancer
Detailed information on skin cancer, including anatomy of the skin, skin cancer facts, skin cancer causes, skin cancer types, cutaneous t-cell lymphoma, actinic keratosis, skin cancer treatment, sun-damaged skin, skin cancer prevention, sunscreen, and ski
Home Page - Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis Disorders
Detailed information on the most common disorders of the spine, shoulder, and pelvis, including arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, avascular necrosis, bursitis, hip problems, hip replacement, kyphosis, low back pain, neck problems, neck pain, torticollis,
Home Page - Surgical Care
Detailed information on surgery, including surgery statistics, surgery questions, preoperative management, intraoperative management, and postoperative management
Home Page - Travel Medicine
Detailed information on the most common high risk diseases for travelers, including African trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness), mad cow disease, HIV, AIDS, cholera, e. coli, dengue fever, diarrheal disease, cryptosporidiosis, diarrhea, traveler's
Homeopathy
Detailed information on homeopathy as a form of alternative therapy
Hordeolum (Stye)
Detailed information on stye, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Hormone Therapy
Detailed information on hormone therapy as one type of cancer treatment
Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer
The goal of hormone therapy is to lower the level of male hormones in the body, particularly testosterone.
Hormones and the Endocrine System
Detailed information on hormones and their role in the workings of the endocrine system
Hormones During Pregnancy
Many hormone levels are affected in the body during pregnancy, with several hormones playing major roles.
Hospice Care Overview
Hospice care usually involves relieving symptoms and providing psychological and social support for the patient and family. The goal of hospice care is to provide the terminally ill patient peace, comfort, and dignity.
Hospice Care Statistics
Less than half of hospice recipients are cancer patients. The five leading non-cancer conditions admitted to hospice are end-stage heart disease, dementia, feebleness, lung disease, and end-stage renal disease.
Household Safety Checklist
Use this list as part of a thorough safety check of your home. It can help prevent accidents and injuries.
How a Migraine Happens
One theory says that migraine pain occurs because of waves of activity by groups of excitable brain cells, which trigger chemicals, such as serotonin to constrict blood vessels.
How Milk Is Made
Detailed information on how breast milk is made for breastfeeding
How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
By doing BSE regularly, you get to know how your breasts normally feel so that you are more apt to detect any change.
How Wounds Heal
Wound healing sounds simple, but it's actually quite complicated and involves a long series of chemical signals. Certain factors can slow or prevent healing entirely.
Human Bites
Detailed information on human bites, including treatment for human bites
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, is a type of treatment used to speed up healing of carbon monoxide poisoning, gangrene, stubborn wounds, and infections in which tissues are starved for oxygen.
Hyperbaric Therapy for CO Poisoning and Decompression Sickness
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has helped heal a variety of illnesses. Over the years, research has shown that it can treat many conditions that involve oxygen-starved tissue.
Hyperparathyroidism
Detailed information on hyperparathyroidism, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Hyperthyroidism
Detailed information on hyperthyroidism, including symptoms, types, diagnosis, and treatment
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is an altered, relaxed state of mind, often used to help learn to control bad habits, pain, and stress.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Hypoglycemia is most often seen as a complication of diabetes and is sometimes referred to as "insulin reaction."
Hypoparathyroidism
Detailed information on hypoparathyroidism, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Hypopituitarism
Detailed information on hypopituitarism, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature brought on by staying in cold temperatures for a long period of time. This lowered body temperature affects the brain, thus affecting a person's ability to think clearly or move well.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid is underactive—producing too little thyroid hormone.
Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy
Signs of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) may be masked by pregnancy. But the thyroid is important for your baby’s brain development. Learn if you should be screened for hypothyroidism.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Different portions of the uterus, as well as other organs, may be removed at the same time.
I
Ice Packs vs. Warm Compresses For Pain
It can sometimes be confusing whether to use heat or cold when treating sore muscles or an injury. Here are facts to keep in mind.
IgG Deficiencies
Immunoglobulin G, also known as IgG, is one type of a special kind of protein in the body called immunoglobulin. A person with an IgG deficiency is more likely to get infections.
Illegal Drug Use and Pregnancy
Almost every drug passes from the mother's bloodstream through the placenta to the fetus. Illicit substances that cause drug dependence and addiction in the mother also cause the fetus to become addicted.
Illustration of the Mouth
Detailed anatomical description of the mouth, including a full-color, labeled illustration
Imagery
By creating images in the mind, a person can reduce pain and symptoms associated with his or her condition.
Immune (Idiopathic) Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Detailed information on idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Immunizations
Detailed information on immunizations for adults and children, including a current immunization schedule
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Nephropathy
Detailed information on IgA nephropathy, including cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Immunology and Serology
Detailed information on immunology, the study of the body's immune system and its functions and disorders, and serology, the study of blood serum
Immunotherapy/Biological Therapy
Detailed information on biological therapy, also called immunotherapy, biological response modifier therapy, or biotherapy
Impetigo
Detailed information on impetigo, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Impotence/Erectile Dysfunction
For most men, erectile dysfunction is caused by physical problems, usually related to the blood supply of the penis. Many advances have occurred in both diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Indigestion
Although indigestion may be the result of a disease or an ulcer in the digestive tract, most often it is caused by eating too much, eating too quickly, eating high-fat foods, or eating during stressful situations.
Ineffective Latch-on or Sucking
Detailed information on ineffective latch-on or sucking during breastfeeding
Infant Problems of the Teeth and Mouth
Detailed information on infant problems of the teeth and mouth
Infections
Detailed information on infections in children
Infectious Arthritis
Infectious arthritis is an infection in the joint fluid and tissues. Different bacteria and viruses can infect a joint and usually are associated with a person's age.
Infectious Diseases on the Job
Detailed information on infectious diseases on the job
Infectious Mononucleosis
Detailed information on infectious mononucleosis, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and transmission
Infertility
Many different factors and problems can cause infertility, including problems in the female reproductive system, the male reproductive system, or a combination of the two.
Infertility Risk Factors for Men and Women
Age, chronic diseases, and endometriosis are common factors for women. For men, they are STDs, toxic substances at work, and cigarette smoking.
Influenza (Flu)
How do you know if you have the flu? Symptoms: abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and a nonproductive cough.
Influenza (Flu) in Children
Influenza is a highly contagious infection of the upper respiratory system. It's one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season, affecting up to 20 percent of Americans each year.
Ingrown Hairs
Detailed information on ingrown hairs, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Inguinal and Umbilical Hernia
Detailed information on hernia, including risks, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Inguinal Hernia
Detailed information on inguinal hernias, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Inhalers and Nebulizers
Inhalers deliver medication directly to the lungs with less side effects than medication taken by mouth or injection.
Injectable Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid injections can treat a variety of skeletal, muscular, and spinal conditions. Some of these injections can be done by your health care provider during a routine clinic visit; others require a referral to a pain specialist.
Insect Bites
Detailed information on insect bites, including bee stings, flea bites, mite bites, chigger bites, spider bites, tick bites, and lyme disease
Insomnia
If you experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or enjoying a restful night's sleep, you may be suffering from insomnia.
Insufficient or Delayed Milk Production
Detailed information on insufficient or delayed milk production
Insulin Replacement Therapy
Insulin is classified according to the speed of its action, the length of time when it's most effective, and its duration.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis is a complex, chronic disorder marked by an inflamed or irritated bladder wall. It can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder and decreased bladder capacity.
Interstitial Lung Disease (Pulmonary Fibrosis)
Detailed information on interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease causes, interstitial lung disease treatment
Interventional Radiology
Detailed information on interventional radiology, including what procedures interventional radiologists perform
Intra-Abdominal Abscess
An intra-abdominal abscess is a collection of pus or infected fluid that is surrounded by inflamed tissue inside the abdomen. It can involve any abdominal organ, or it can settle in the folds of the bowel.
Intraoperative Care
Detailed information on intraoperative management
Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
Detailed information on intravenous pyelogram, including information on how the procedure is performed
Introduction to Menopause
When a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods, she has reached the stage of life called menopause. This stage signals the end of a woman's ability to have children.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Detailed information on aplastic anemia, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A person with IBS has a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than usual, so it responds strongly to stimuli that would not affect other people.
J
Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement is a surgical procedure to remove and replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Detailed information on juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment
K
Keratosis Pilaris
Detailed information on keratosis pilaris, including treatment
Kidney Cancer
Detailed information on renal cell cancer, the most common type of kidney cancer, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment
Kidney Disorders
Detailed information on kidney disorders
Kidney Stones
Detailed information on kidney stones, including types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Kidney Transplantation
Detailed information on kidney transplantation
Knee Pain and Problems
Common knee problems include sprains, strains, torn cartilage, and arthritis.
Knee Replacement Surgery
When a knee is severely damaged by disease or injury, an artificial knee replacement may be considered.
Knowing When to Seek Treatment
Families, spouses, or friends are often the first to suspect that their loved one is challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental conditions that cause them to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad.
Kyphosis
Kyphosis is a forward curvature of the spine. It is a type of spinal deformity and should not be confused with poor posture.
L
Labor
Labor usually starts two weeks before or after the estimated date of delivery. No one knows exactly what triggers the onset of labor.
Labor and Delivery
Detailed information on labor and delivery
Lactose Intolerance
Detailed information on lactose intolerance, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Landau-Kleffner Syndrome
Detailed information on Landau-Kleffner syndrome, including signs, diagnosis, and treatment
Language Disorders
Detailed information on the most common types of language disorders, including aphasia and Landau-Kleffner syndrome
Laryngeal Cancer (Cancer of the Larynx)
Detailed information on laryngeal cancer (cancer of the larynx), including symptoms, cause, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment
Laser Surgery for Lesions and Skin Conditions
Detailed information on laser surgery for skin conditions
Laser Surgery Overview
Detailed information on laser surgery and what types of surgeries may be performed with lasers
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
The pain of tennis elbow is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist backward away from the palm.
Latex Allergy
Symptoms of latex allergy include watery or itchy eyes, wheezing, hives, flushing or a skin rash, itching, or swelling.
Lead Poisoning
Detailed information on lead poisoning
Learning Disorders
Learning disorders are sometimes called learning disabilities. Most children with learning disorders have normal intelligence, but they have difficulty with reading, math, or another academic area.
Leukemia Index
Detailed information on leukemia in childhood, including symptoms, staging, diagnosis, and treatment
Lice
Detailed information on lice, including diagnosis and treatment
Lifestyle Changes
Living a healthier lifestyle can help to prevent heart disease. This means eliminating all tobacco, following a heart-healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.
Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
Li-Fraumeni syndrome raises the risk for breast cancer and many other types of cancer.
Ligament Injuries to the Knee
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common ligaments to be injured. Learn about the four major ligaments of the knee.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes excess body fat through a suctioning process. It is not a substitute for weight loss, but it does change the body's shape and contour.
Liver Disease Statistics
Statistics relating to liver, biliary, and pancreatic disorders
Liver Transplantation
Detailed information on liver transplantation, including donor lists, organ rejection, details of the procedure, and long-term outlook following a liver transplant
Liver Tumors
Detailed information on liver tumors, including types, symptoms, staging, diagnosis, and treatment
Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Diagnostic Procedures
Detailed information on the most common diagnostic procedures for liver, biliary, and pancreatic disorders
Living with a Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
With advances in technology, pacemakers and ICDs generally last several years and, in most cases, allow a person to lead a normal life.
Living with a Rheumatic Disease
With proper management, a rheumatic disease often does not have to hinder your daily activities.
Low Back Pain
Low back pain can range from mild, dull, and annoying to persistent, severe, and disabling pain. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning.
Low Milk Production
Detailed information on breastfeeding and low breast milk production
Low-Vision Devices
Low-vision devices are categorized as either optical or nonoptical. Optical devices are magnifying lenses or closed circuit TV. Nonoptical devices are large-print books and talking computers.
Lumbar Disk Disease (Herniated Disk)
Lumbar disk disease is caused by a change in the structure of a spinal disk. Most of the time, disk disease is a result of aging and the degeneration that occurs within the disk.
Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back)
A lumbar strain is an injury to the lower back, which results in damaged tendons and muscles that spasm and feel sore.
Lung Cancer
Detailed information on lung cancer, lung cancer symptom, lung cancer treatment, lung cancer sign, lung cancer medication, malignant lung tumor, lung cancer cause, benign lung tumor, lung cancer risk factor, lung cancer prevention
Lung Disorders and Diseases
Detailed information on lung disorders and diseases, signs of respiratory distress, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD), Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Pulmonary Emphysema, Acute Bronchitis, Cystic Fibrosis, Occupational Lung Diseases, Pneumonia, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, Pulmonary Embolism, Pulmonary Sarcoidosis, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Tuberculosis
Lying and Stealing
Lying and stealing are common, but inappropriate, behaviors in school-aged children. Most of the time these behaviors will be outgrown.
Lyme Disease
Detailed information on Lyme disease, including ticks that transmit Lyme disease, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Lymphedema Following a Mastectomy
Whenever the normal drainage pattern in the lymph nodes is disturbed or damaged—often during surgery to remove the lymph nodes—the arm may swell. This swelling, caused by too much fluid, is called lymphedema.
Lymphomas
Detailed information on lymphomas, including Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
M
Ménière's Disease
Meniere's disease is a balance disorder caused by an abnormality found in a section of the inner ear called the labyrinth.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including information on how the procedure is performed
Maintaining Weight Loss
Keeping extra weight off requires effort and commitment, just as losing weight does.
Major Depression
You may have depression if you have a persistent sad or "empty" mood, or if you find it difficult to concentrate or make decisions.
Making the Home Environment Safe
Here are some suggestions: Make sure lighting in hallways and on stairs is adequate. Secure area rugs to prevent falls and slips. Outdoors, make certain railings, gates, and fences are secure and in good repair.
Malaria
Detailed information on malaria, including symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and information for travelers
Male Factor Infertility
Problems with the production and maturation of sperm are the most common causes of male infertility.
Male Growth and Development
Detailed information on male growth and development
Mammogram
Detailed information on mammography, including the different types of mammography, how one is performed, and recommended guidelines
Mammography
Manage Your Medications
Detailed information on learning to manage your medication, especially if you are taking several, and treating different conditions
Management After Surgery
Detailed information on recovering from hand surgery
Management of Asthma
One part of asthma management is to identify and avoid the things that trigger your asthma. You also need to understand how to take your asthma medications.
Managing Stress
A nutritious, well-balanced diet and exercise can keep your body fit and able to resist disease, and exercise is an excellent way to elevate your mood.
Manic Depression/Bipolar Disorder
Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is a type of affective disorder that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs. It is becoming an important health concern in this country.
Massage
Detailed information on massage therapy as a form of alternative therapy
Mastalgia (Breast Pain)
The most common type of breast pain is associated with the menstrual cycle and is nearly always hormonal.
Mastitis
Detailed information on breastfeeding and mastitis
Meal Planning
Detailed information on healthy cooking tips for persons with diabetes
Measles
Detailed information on measles, including symptoms, complications, prevention, and treatment
Measuring a Baby's Temperature
Most physicians recommend taking a baby's temperature rectally, by placing a thermometer in the baby's anus. This method is accurate and gives a quick reading of the baby's internal temperature.
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's and Baseball Elbow)
Other activities that can cause this condition include carrying a heavy suitcase, chopping wood, and using a chainsaw.
Medical Conditions and Pregnancy
With proper medical care, most women can enjoy a healthy pregnancy, despite medical challenges such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad
Detailed medical information for Americans traveling abroad
Medical Management of Vascular Conditions
Detailed information on the medical management of vascular conditions, including description of the vascular system, risk factors for vascular conditions, causes of vascular conditions, medical management of risk factors, and full-color anatomical illustrations
Medical Treatment for Obesity
Medical treatment can help with weight loss if your own efforts are unsuccessful—or if you have a medical condition that makes it crucial to lose weight.
Medications and Pregnancy
All medications you take affect the fetus, depending on the stage of development, the type and dosage of the medication being taken, and your drug tolerance.
Medications and the Digestive System
Medications taken by mouth can affect the digestive system in a number of different ways. Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, while usually safe and effective, may create harmful effects in some people.
Melanoma
Detailed information on melanoma, including symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors, and treatment
Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain. Most cases of meningitis are caused by viruses; bacterial meningitis is rare.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy
If you use or are considering using hormone therapy, discuss the possible benefits and risks with your health care provider.
Menopause
Detailed information on menopause, including perimenopause, hormone replacement therapy, and staying healthy after menopause
Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia is the most common type of abnormal uterine bleeding. In some cases, bleeding may be so severe that it interrupts daily activities.
Menstrual Conditions
Detailed information on the most common menstrual conditions, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia
Mental Health
Detailed information on mental health and women, including information on managing stress, depression, and domestic violence
Mental Health Conditions
Detailed information on mental health disorders in children
Mental Health Disorder Statistics
Many people suffer from more than one mental disorder at a given time. In particular, depressive illnesses tend to occur along with substance abuse and anxiety disorders.
Mental Health Disorders in Children and Teens
Detailed information on the most common mental health disorders in children and teens
Merkel Cell Cancer
Detailed information on merkel cell cancer, including diagnosis and treatment
Metabolic Syndrome
Most people who have metabolic syndrome have insulin resistance. This may be a beginning of the development of type 2 diabetes.
Methods of Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery is a relatively new approach that allows the patient to recuperate faster with less pain. Not all conditions are suitable for this type of surgery.
Microbiology
Detailed information on microbiology and the most common microbiology tests
Migraine Headaches
A migraine headache is unique among headaches because it includes symptoms other than pain. Nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, and sensitivity to light are common with a migraine.
Milk Allergy Diet
Detailed information on milk allergy, a type of food allergy, including milk-free recipes and milk substitutes
Mismanaged Breastfeeding
Detailed information on mismanaged breastfeeding, including information on breastfeeding positions
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Mitral valve prolapse is a condition in which blood leaks backward through the mitral valve in the heart. This backflow of blood may result in a heart murmur.
Molds in the Environment
Molds are found everywhere in the environment, both indoors and outdoors, and throughout the year.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Detailed information on molluscum contagiosum, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Mood Disorders
Detailed information on the most common types of mood disorders, including major depression, manic depression (bipolar disorder), dysthymia, seasonal affective disorder, and suicide
Motor Vehicle Safety for Children
Detailed information on motor vehicle safety and children
Mouth Guards and Dental Emergencies
Detailed information on the importance of mouthguards to prevent dental emergencies
Mouth Infections
Detailed information on mouth infections, including the oral herpes simplex virus infection
Mouth Rinse
Detailed information on mouth rinse and oral healthcare
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Detailed information on multiple chemical sensitivity
Multiple Myeloma
Myeloma bone disease is cancer that affects certain white blood cells called plasma cells.
Multiple Pregnancy
Detailed information on multiple pregnancies, including care of multiple birth babies
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, chronic disease of the central nervous system. Some people with MS may be mildly affected, but others may lose their ability to write, speak, or walk.
Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy
Pregnancy does not appear to speed up the course or worsen the effects of MS. Some studies have found that MS symptoms decrease in pregnancy and increase after delivery.
Mumps in Adults
Detailed information on mumps, including symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and treatment
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy causes the muscles in the body to become very weak. The muscles break down and are replaced with fatty deposits over time.
Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
The goal of musculoskeletal rehab is to help you return to the highest level of function and independence possible.
Mushroom Poisoning in Children
Early symptoms of mushroom poisoning include stomach cramps, vomiting, and watery or bloody diarrhea. If your child has any of these symptoms, call your child's doctor immediately.
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder that causes weakness of the skeletal muscles. MG affects the voluntary muscles of the body, especially the eyes, mouth, throat, and limbs.
N
Narcolepsy
A person with narcolepsy is likely to become drowsy or to fall asleep at inappropriate times and places, and sleep attacks may occur with or without warning.
Nasal Surgery
Nasal surgery includes any surgery performed on the outside or inside of the nose. It is a common type of reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP)
Detailed information on breast cancer clinical trials, including the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project
Naturopathy
Detailed information on naturopathy as a form of alternative therapy
Neck Pain and Problems
Neck pain can result from many different causes—injury to muscles, tendons, or ligaments; arthritis; a herniated disc; or a tumor.
Neck Problems
Detailed information on the most common types of neck problems, including neck pain, torticollis, and whiplash injury
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection
A necrotizing soft tissue infection is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment to keep it from destroying skin, muscle, and other soft tissues.
Nephrotic Syndrome
Detailed information on nephrotic syndrome, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment
Neurocutaneous Syndromes
Neurocutaneous syndrome is a broad term for a group of disorders. These diseases are life-long conditions that can cause tumors to grow inside the brain, spinal cord, organs, skin, and skeletal bones.
Neurogenic Bladder
Detailed information on neurogenic bladder, including complications, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Neurological Conditions
Detailed information on neurological disorders in children, including headaches, head injury and seizures/epilepsy
Neurological Disorders
Here is a list of nervous system disorders that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional.
Neurological Examination
A neurological exam may be performed with instruments, such as lights and reflex hammers, and usually does not cause any pain to the patient.
Neurological Rehabilitation
Neurological rehabilitation is a physician-supervised program designed for people with diseases, trauma, or disorders of the nervous system. Neurological rehabilitation can often improve function, reduce symptoms, and improve the well-being of the patient.
Neurological Surgery
Neurological surgery is used to treat disorders of the brain, spine, and nerves. The doctor who specializes in neurological surgery is called a neurosurgeon or neurological surgeon.
Neurology
Neurology is the branch of medicine that is concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system.
Newborn Multiples
Because many multiples are small and born early, they may be initially cared for in a special care nursery called the neonatal intensive care unit.
Nightmares and Night Terrors
A night terror is a partial waking from sleep with behaviors such as screaming, kicking, panic, sleep walking, thrashing, or mumbling.
Nipple Problems and Discharge
Nipple conditions are a common benign breast condition affecting many women. Some problems are related to lactation, and others are not.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
When the ears are exposed to extremely loud noises, or to prolonged loud noises, inner ear structures can be damaged, leading to noise-induced hearing loss.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Detailed information on non-Hodgkins lymphoma, including symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment
Normal Breast Development and Changes
Breast development occurs in distinct stages, first before birth, and again at puberty and during the childbearing years. Changes also occur to the breasts during menstruation and when a woman reaches menopause.
Nose Reshaping
This procedure can reduce or increase the size of the nose, narrow the span of the nostrils, change the angle between the nose and upper lip, and/or change the tip or bridge of the nose.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are fairly common in children, especially in dry climates or during the winter months, when dry heat inside homes and buildings can cause drying, cracking, or crusting inside the nose.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is a specialized area of radiology that uses very small amounts of radioactive materials to examine organ function and structure. This branch of radiology is often used to help diagnose and treat abnormalities very early in the progression of a disease, such as thyroid cancer.
Nutrition During Pregnancy
Not only is eating nutritious food good for you and your baby, it also can ease some of the discomforts of pregnancy. A balanced diet can help minimize symptoms such as nausea and constipation.
Nutrition Index
Detailed nutrition information for mothers who are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, and toddlers, preschool-aged children, school-aged children, and adolescents
O
Obesity
Detailed information on obesity, including obesity causes, obesity health effects, obesity medical treatment, obesity surgical treatment, maintaining weight loss, and obesity prevention
Obesity Treatment Overview
Whatever treatment plan a person follows, losing weight slowly will be more effective and healthy over the long term.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is an anxiety disorder in which a person has an unreasonable thought, fear, or worry that he or she tries to manage through a ritualized activity to reduce the anxiety.
Occupational Asthma
Occupational asthma is often a reversible condition, which means the symptoms may disappear when the irritants that caused the asthma are avoided.
Occupational Lung Diseases
Repeated and long-term exposure to certain irritants on the job can lead to an array of lung diseases that may have lasting effects, even after exposure ceases.
Online Resources - Allergy and Asthma
List of online resources to find additional information on allergy and asthma
Online Resources - Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
List of online resources to find additional information on arthritis and other rheumatic diseases
Online Resources - Bone Disorders
List of online resources to find additional information on bone disorders, including bone cancer
Online Resources - Breast Health
List of online resources to find additional information on breast health, including breast cancer
Online Resources - Cardiovascular Diseases
List of Internet sites with information about cardiovascular diseases
Online Resources - Complementary and Alternative Medicine
List of online resources to find additional information on complementary and alternative medicine
Online Resources - Dermatology
List of online resources to find additional information on dermatology and common skin conditions
Online Resources - Diabetes
List of online resources to find additional information on diabetes
Online Resources - Digestive Disorders
List of online resources to find additional information on digestive disorders
Online Resources - Endocrinology
List of online resources to find additional information on endocrine disorders
Online Resources - Environmental Medicine
List of online resources to find additional information on environmental medicine
Online Resources - Eye Care
List of online resources to find additional information on eye care
Online Resources - Gynecological Health
List of online resources to find additional information on gynecological health
Online Resources - Hematology and Blood Disorders
List of online resources to find additional information on blood disorders
Online Resources - Home Health, Hospice, and Elder Care
List of online resources to find additional information on home health, hospice, and elder care
Online Resources - Infectious Diseases
List of online resources to find additional information on infectious diseases
Online Resources - Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders
List of online resources to find additional information on liver, biliary, and pancreatic disorders
Online Resources - Men's Health
List of online resources to find additional information on men's health
Online Resources - Mental Health Disorders
List of online resources to find additional information on mental health
Online Resources - Nervous System Disorders
A list of online resources to find additional information on nervous system disorders.
Online Resources - Nontraumatic Emergencies
List of online resources to find additional information on nontraumatic emergencies
Online Resources - Oral Health
List of online resources to find additional information on oral and dental healthcare
Online Resources - Orthopedic Surgery
List of online resources to find additional information on orthopedics
Online Resources - Otolaryngology
List of online resources to find additional information on ear, nose, and throat disorders
Online Resources - Pathology
List of online resources to find additional information on pathology
Online Resources - Pediatrics
List of online resources to find additional information on pediatrics
Online Resources - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
List of online resources to find additional information on physical medicine and rehabilitation
Online Resources - Plastic Surgery
List of online resources to find additional information on plastic surgery
Online Resources - Pregnancy and Childbirth
List of online resources to find additional information on pregnancy and childbirth
Online Resources - Prostate Health
List of online resources to find additional information on prostate health
Online Resources - Radiology
List of online resources to find additional information on radiology
Online Resources - Respiratory Disorders
List of online resources to find additional information on respiratory disorders
Online Resources - Skin Cancer
List of online resources to find additional information on skin cancer
Online Resources - Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis Disorders
List of online resources to find additional information on spine, shoulder, and pelvis disorders
Online Resources - Surgical Care
List of online resources to find additional information on surgery
Online Resources - Travel Medicine
List of online resources to find additional information on travel medicine
Online Resources - Urology
List of online resources to find additional information on urology
Online Resources - Women's Health
List of online resources to find additional information on women's health
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
This behavior disorder is characterized by uncooperative, defiant, negativistic, irritable, and annoying behaviors toward parents, peers, teachers, and other authority figures.
Oral Cancer
Ninety percent of oral cancer cases are caused by tobacco use. Oral cancer can affect the lips, teeth, gums, and lining of the mouth.
Oral Cancer and Tobacco
All tobacco products, from cigarettes to snuff, contain toxins, carcinogens, and nicotine, an addictive substance.
Oral Health / Dental Specialists
Detailed information on different oral healthcare specialists, including a doctor of dental surgery, doctor of dental medicine, pediatric dentist, endodontist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, orthodontist, periodontist, and prosthodontist
Oral Medications
Many types of diabetes pills are available, and each type has a specific action.
Orthodontics/Braces
Detailed information on healthcare for braces
Orthodontics/Braces for Children
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws.
Orthopedic Conditions
Detailed information on orthopedic disorders in children, including fractures, sports injuries, overuse injuries, sprains, strains, and heat-related illness
Orthotist and Prosthetist
An orthotist makes and fits braces and splints for patients who need added support for body parts that have been weakened by injury or disease. A prosthetist makes and fits artificial limbs for patients with disabilities.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a chronic, degenerative, joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults.
Osteochondroma
Osteochondroma is an overgrowth of cartilage and bone near the end of the bone near the growth plate.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta is also known as brittle-bone disease because it is characterized by bones that break easily without a specific cause.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an inflammation or swelling of bone tissue that is usually the result of an infection.
Osteomyelitis (Bone Infection)
Osteomyelitis is the medical term for a bone infection. Bone infections are caused when a break in the skin allows germs, usually bacteria, to spread into bone tissue. Bacteria can also spread from infections in other parts of the body by traveling through the blood to infect a bone.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis causes a loss of bone mass and destruction of bone tissue. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine, and wrists.
Osteoporosis Index
Detailed information on osteoporosis and bone density test
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma usually affects the long bones around the knee. It occurs most often in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Other Bacterial Skin Infections
Detailed information on bacterial skin infections, including erysipelas, erythrasma, impetigo, and paronychia
Other Benign Skin Growths
Detailed information on benign skin growths, including dermatofibromas, dermoid cysts, freckles, keloids, keratoacanthomas, lipomas, moles (nevi), and atypical moles (dysplastic nevi)
Other Causes and Risk Factors For Skin Cancer
Detailed information on causes and risk factors for skin cancer, including heredity and environment
Other Dermatitis Conditions
Detailed information on the different types of dermatitis, including localized scratch dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis
Other Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Detailed information on ear, nose, and throat disorders, including Bell's palsy, deviated septum, sinusitis, snoring, tonsillitis, and ear infections
Other Liver Disorders
Detailed information on autoimmune and metabolic liver disorders, including hemochromatosis (iron overload disease) and Wilson's disease
Other Techniques of Surgery
Detailed information on other techniques of surgery, including laser surgery and electrosurgery
Other Treatments for Breast Cancer
Other treatments for breast cancer include hormone therapy, used to prevent the growth, spread, and recurrence of the cancer, adjuvant therapy, and biological therapy.
Other Types of Skin Cancer: Kaposi's Sarcoma
Detailed information on Kaposi's sarcoma
Otitis Externa
Detailed information on otitis external (swimmer's ear), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear)
Swimmer's ear is caused by fungi or bacteria that are encouraged to grow because of water that remains trapped in the ear canal after swimming.
Otitis Media
Detailed information on otitis media, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Otitis Media (Ear Infection)
Detailed information on otitis media, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology is the medical specialty that focuses on medical and surgical treatment for patients who have disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
If you’re recovering from an illness, surgery, or injury and need outpatient rehabilitation, this means you’ll receive one or more types of therapy after you’ve been discharged from a hospital or clinic.
Outpatient Surgery
Detailed information on outpatient surgery
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can develop in one of three types—the first, on the surface of the ovary; the second, in the cells that form the eggs; the third, in the cells that produce female hormones.
Ovarian Cancer as Part of Lynch Syndrome
A woman with this type of hereditary colon cancer is at increased risk for ovarian cancer.
Overactive Adrenal Glands/Cushing's Syndrome
Detailed information on overactive adrenal glands and Cushing's syndrome, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Over-Active Let-Down
Many nursing mothers worry if their babies aren’t getting enough milk—but what if the opposite were true? Here’s what you can do to make sure your aren’t overwhelming your baby during feeding time.
Overuse Injuries
Detailed information on overuse injuries in children, including jumper's knee, patellar tendonitis, little leaguers' elbow, little leaguers' shoulder, osteochondritis dissecans, Sever's disease, shin splints, Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease, spondylolisthesis, and spondylolysis
Overview of Anemia
Anemia is a common blood disorder that occurs when there are fewer red blood cells than normal or there is a low concentration of hemoglobin in the blood.
Overview of Clinical Complications of Diabetes
Heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease are some of the complications of diabetes.
Overview of Hand Surgery
Many different types of surgeries can be performed on the hand, depending on the underlying cause of the problem.
Overview of Kidney Disorders
Detailed information on kidney conditions, including kidney function, nephrology, kidney problem causes, kidney disease symptoms, and 1 labeled, full-color anatomical illustration
Overview of Leukemias
Detailed overview of leukemia, including types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Overview of Mood Disorders
Mood disorders refer to a category of mental health problems that include all types of depression and bipolar disorder. Mood disorders are sometimes called affective disorders.
Overview of Multiple Pregnancy
Multiple pregnancy is a pregnancy with two or more fetuses. In the United States, the multiple birth rate is rising.
Overview of Nervous System Disorders
Disorders of the nervous system include stroke, infections such as meningitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and functional disorders such as headache and epilepsy.
Overview of Obesity
Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that can inflict substantial harm to a person’s health. Learn about obesity causes and obesity health effects.
Overview of Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)
A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin that sends electrical signals to start or regulate a slow heartbeat.
Overview of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)
PM and R is a medical specialty that works to restore function for a person who has been disabled as a result of a disease, disorder, or injury.
Overview of Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty involved with the reconstruction of facial and body tissue defects caused by illness, trauma, or birth disorders.
Overview of Sleep Problems
Sleep is essential to physical and emotional health. Adequate sleep may also play a role in helping the body recover from illness and injury.
Overview of Sports Injuries
Overview of Stroke
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. The disruption is caused when either a blood clot or piece of plaque blocks one of the vital blood vessels in the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
Overview of the Male Anatomy
The male reproductive anatomy includes the bladder, epididymis, penis, scrotum, and prostate gland.
Overview of the PM&R Treatment Team
The team is usually directed by a physiatrist, with other specialists playing important roles in the treatment and education process.
Overview of the Vascular System
Detailed information on vascular conditions, including a description of the vascular system, causes and effects of vascular disease, and a full-color anatomical illustration
Overview of Urogenital Disorders
Detailed information on urology, the branch of medicine concerned with the urinary tract in both genders and the genital tract or reproductive system in the male, and urogenital disorders
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Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)
Detailed information on living with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Paget Disease of the Bone
Paget disease is the most common bone disorder after osteoporosis in people older than 50.
Pain Management
It's normal to expect a certain amount of pain after surgery, but if the pain does not subside with pain medication, you may have a more serious problem. Your doctors and nurses will ask about your pain because they want you to be comfortable.
Palliative Care Methods for Controlling Pain
The biggest problem with palliative care is that many people are referred for care too late. By starting this type of care early, and by using the right type of pain management, nearly all pain problems can be relieved or reduced.
Pancreatic Cancer
Detailed information on pancreatic cancer, including types of benign tumors in the pancreas, malignant pancreatic cancers, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment
Pancreatitis
Detailed information on pancreatitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is marked by chronic, repeated, and unexpected panic attacks—bouts of overwhelming fear of being in danger when there is no specific cause for the fear.
Pap Test
A Pap test is a way for your doctor to examine cells collected from the cervix for infection, inflammation, or cancer.
Parasitic Infections of the Skin
Detailed information on the most common parasitic infections of the skin, including creeping eruption, lice, and scabies
Parathyroid Tumor
Detailed information on parathyroid tumors, including symptoms and treatment
Parkinson's Disease (PD)
Parkinson's disease is the most common form of parkinsonism, a group of motor system disorders. PD is slowly progressing and degenerative.
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper's Knee)
Jumper's knee is also known as patellar tendonitis. It may be caused by overuse of the knee joint, such as frequent jumping on hard surfaces.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)
Runner's knee occurs when the kneecap rubs against the thighbone as it moves. The condition can be caused by a structural defect or a certain way of walking or running.
Patient and Family
You as the patient and your family are the most important members of the rehabilitation team.
Patient Rights
If you are unhappy with the home health or hospice care you are receiving, you should notify the provider's administrator, your state health department, and the Better Business Bureau.
Patient-Controlled Analgesia Pumps
Patient-controlled analgesia is a method of pain management that allows you to decide when you will get a dose of pain medication. You don’t need to wait for a nurse, and you can get smaller doses of pain medicine more frequently.
Paying for Home Health and Hospice Care
Home health care services may be paid for directly by the patient, through insurance coverage, or through other public or private sources. Most hospice care programs are provided to the patient regardless of the patient's ability to pay.
Peak Flow Meter
A peak flow meter for asthma is like a thermometer for a fever—it helps you monitor what's going on inside your lungs by measuring airflow out of the lungs.
Peanut Allergy Diet
Detailed information on peanut allergy, a type of food allergy, including potential sources of peanut protein and other sources of peanut and peanut products
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Untreated, PID can cause infertility and can also lead to chronic infection or even peritonitis.
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is a common complaint among women. Its nature and intensity may fluctuate, and its cause is often obscure.
Pelvis Problems
Detailed information on the most common pelvis problems, including pelvic fractures and osteitis pubis
Pemphigus Vulgaris
Pemphigus is a rare group of autoimmune diseases that causes blisters on the skin and mucous membranes throughout the body. Pemphigus vulgaris is the most common type of pemphigus.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac (membrane) that surrounds the heart.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the period of time before menstruation stops. This time is marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other physical and emotional symptoms.
Periodontal Diseases
Detailed information on periodontal disease, including types, symptoms, causes, and treatment
Peritonitis
Detailed information on peritonitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Personality Disorders
Detailed information on the most common types of personality disorders, including paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, narcissisti
Pets and Infectious Diseases
Detailed information on pets and infectious diseases
Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
People with this syndrome have dark moles around the mouth, nose, and eyes, as well as multiple polyps in the intestines.
Peyronie's Disease
Peyronie's disease is characterized by a plaque, or hard lump, that forms on the erection tissue of the penis.
Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
Detailed information on pharyngitis and tonsillitis, pharyngitis and tonsillitis causes, pharyngitis and tonsillitis diagnoses, pharyngitis and tonsillitis treatment
Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis in Children
Detailed information on pharyngitis and tonsillitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Phobias
A phobia is an uncontrollable, irrational, and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. The fear experienced by people with phobias can be so great that some go to extreme lengths to avoid the source of their fear.
Physiatrist
The physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation is called a physiatrist.
Physical Examination: Adolescent Male
Detailed information on what males can expect during a physical examination
Physical Rehabilitation at the Hospital
If you are in the hospital recovering from surgery, healing from an injury, or being treated for a disabling medical condition, physical rehabilitation may be an important part of your treatment.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists focus on restoring a patient's mobility (movement) and function, and preventing of further disability.
Pituitary Tumors
Detailed information on pituitary gland tumors, including symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, and treatment
Pityriasis Rosea
Detailed information on pityriasis rosea, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Plan and Prepare for Pregnancy
Detailed information on planning and preparing for a healthy pregnancy
Planning a Pregnancy
Planning ahead and taking care of yourself before becoming pregnant is the best thing you can do for you and your baby.
Planning To Travel
Detailed information on travel and planning to travel
Plastic Surgery Statistics
Statistical information relating to plastic surgery, including cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery
Plastic Surgery Techniques
Two common techniques are endoscopic surgery, performed with a tubular probe, and flap surgery, in which healthy tissue is moved from one part of the body to another.
Plugged Milk Ducts
For mothers who breastfeed, some may be more susceptible to plugged ducts than others. Get some quick tips on how to avoid and manage this concern, so you can keep you and your baby happy and healthy!
PM and R Treatment Team
Detailed information on the physical medicine and rehabilitation treatment team
Pneumocystis Pneumonia
If your immune system is weakened by HIV/AIDS, you have a greater chance of developing pneumocystis pneumonia, a crippling lung infection.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious inflammation of the lungs in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid.
Poison Ivy
Detailed information on poison ivy, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Poison Ivy and Children
Detailed information on poison ivy/poison oak, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Poisoning
Detailed information on poisoning, including poison on the skin, in the eye, and poisonous fumes and gas
Poisons
Detailed information on poisoning, preventing poisoning and how to respond in an emergency
Poisons Overview
Detailed information on poisoning, preventing poisoning and how to respond in an emergency
Poliomyelitis (Polio)
Detailed information on poliomyelitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Detailed information on the different types of polycystic kidney disease, including autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, and acquired cystic kidney disease
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
This syndrome results from several related factors, including insulin resistance. This can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes and affect fertility.
Polycythemia Vera
Detailed information on polycythemia vera, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
PET is a type of nuclear medicine procedure that measures metabolic activity of the cells of body tissues. Used mostly in patients with brain or heart conditions and cancer, PET helps to visualize the biochemical changes taking place in the body.
Post-Mastectomy
Detailed information for women following a mastectomy, including breast reconstruction, lymphedema prevention, and breast prosthesis
Post-Mastectomy Prosthesis
A prosthesis can be worn against the skin, inside the pocket of a mastectomy bra, or attached to the chest wall. Prosthetic devices are designed to look feminine and be comfortable.
Postoperative Management
Detailed information on postoperative management
Postpartum Care
Detailed information on caring for the mother physically and emotionally following childbirth, including information on postpartum depression
Postpartum Thyroiditis
Postpartum thyroiditis is a temporary but fairly common condition that results in either an overactive or underactive thyroid.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a condition that often follows a terrifying physical or emotional event—causing the person who survived the event to have persistent, frightening thoughts and memories of the ordeal.
Potential Emergency Situations and Conditions
Detailed information on potential emergency situations and conditions, including animal bites, rabies, cat scratch disease, appendicitis, asthma attack, chest pain, heart attack, dehydration, heat stroke, fever, food allergy, food-drug interaction, frostb
Pregnancy
Detailed information on pregnancy and childbirth, including information on birth statistics, pregnancy planning, preconception care, prenatal care, pregnancy discomforts, pregnancy tests, pregnancy risks, pregnancy warning signs, labor and delivery, breas
Pregnancy Overview
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMDD is a much more severe form of premenstrual syndrome. Women with a personal or family history of mood disorders or postpartum depression may be at higher risk for this disorder.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Most females experience some unpleasant or uncomfortable symptoms during their menstrual cycle. The type and intensity of symptoms vary.
Prenatal Medical Care
It may seem like you are having a lot of appointments, but regular visits to your doctor are an important part of a healthy pregnancy. You and your growing baby will be carefully monitored, with tests done to assess any potential risks and develop a treatment plan, if needed.
Preoperative Management
Detailed information on preoperative management
Preparing for Surgery
How should you prepare for surgery? That depends on the type of surgery and type of anesthesia that will be used.
Presbycusis
Presbycusis is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as people age. One in three older adults older than 60 has hearing loss. Half of people older than 75 have hearing loss.
Preschooler Nutrition
Preschool children are still developing their eating habits and need encouragement to eat healthy meals and snacks.
Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcers, also called bedsores or pressure sores, can develop when you are confined to a bed or chair.
Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases
Detailed information on lifestyle changes necessary to lower your risk for heart disease
Preventing Falls
About 75 percent of all falls occur at home. Taking certain precautions and exercising to stay physically strong can prevent many of them.
Preventing Obesity
Given the chronic diseases and conditions associated with obesity and the fact that obesity is difficult to treat, prevention is extremely important.
Preventing Opportunistic Infections in HIV/AIDS
Opportunistic infections that other people might fight off easily could make you really sick if you have HIV. Getting one or more of these OIs could mean that your HIV has advanced to AIDS.
Preventing Skin Cancer
Detailed information on skin cancer prevention
Preventing Sports Injuries
Good preventive steps: Warm up before you work out, alternate days for exercising certain muscle groups, and cool down when you're done.
Preventing Unintentional Injuries
Detailed information on preventing unintentional injuries
Preventing Unintentional Injuries Overview
Detailed information on preventing unintentional injuries
Prevention of Infectious Diseases
Detailed information on prevention of infectious diseases
Prevention of Oral Diseases / Dental Problems
Detailed information on the prevention of oral diseases and dental problems
Prickly Heat
Detailed information on prickly heat, including symptoms and treatment
Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Primary hyperparathyroidism is a metabolic disorder in which the parathyroid glands produce too much hormone, which can result in the loss of bone tissue.
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
Detailed information on primary pulmonary hypertension, primary pulmonary hypertension causes, primary pulmonary hypertension diagnosis, primary pulmonary hypertension treatment
Prostate Cancer
In the past 30 years, the five-year survival rate for all stages of prostate cancer combined has increased from 73 percent to nearly 100 percent.
Prostate Cancer in African-American Men
African-American men may have the highest rate of prostate cancer incidence in the world, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Prostate Cancer Index
Detailed information on prostate cancer, including statistics, anatomy of the prostate, risk factors, genetics, diagnosis, staging, grading, symptoms, surgery, radiation treatment, hormone treatment, chemotherapy, angiogenesis, coping, and clinical trials
Prostate Cancer Overview
Prostate Disease
Detailed information on the most common types of prostate disease, including prostatism, prostatitis, prostatalgia, benign prostatic hyperplasia, impotence (erectile dysfunction), and urinary incontinence
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is the most common prostate problem in men younger than 50. Some estimates state that at least half of all men, at some point in their lives, will develop symptoms of prostatitis.
Pseudocysts of the Pancreas
Detailed information on pseudocysts of the pancreas, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Psoriasis
Detailed information on psoriasis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis associated with psoriasis, a chronic skin and nail disease.
Psychiatric Treatment Team
Team members may include a child and adolescent psychiatrist, a psychologist, a social worker, and a psychiatric nurse.
Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, and Psychiatrist
These specialists work with the rehabilitation team to offer counseling and support for the patient and family.
Psychosocial Factors
When a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, it's normal for him to feel scared, angry, or depressed.
Puberty: Adolescent Male
Detailed information on puberty and the adolescent male
Pulmonary Embolism
Detailed information on pulmonary embolism, including a description of a pulmonary embolism and the circulatory system, symptoms, risk factors, causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and 4 labeled, full-color anatomical illustrations
Pulmonary Emphysema
Emphysema is a chronic lung condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are damaged or destroyed. This damage is irreversible.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
A pulmonary rehabilitation program is tailored to meet the needs of the individual patient and the specific lung problem or disease.
Pulmonary Sarcoidosis
Detailed information on pulmonary sarcoidosis, pulmonary sarcoidosis symptoms, pulmonary sarcoidosis diagnosis, pulmonary sarcoidosis treatment
Purpose of Having Surgery
Surgery may be recommended for a variety of reasons—among them, to help with a diagnosis, to take a biopsy of a suspicious lump, to remove diseased tissues or organs, or to remove an obstruction.
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Questions to Ask Before Surgery
It's important to communicate your feelings, questions, and concerns with your doctor before having surgery. Take notes, or ask a family member or friend to accompany you and take notes for you. You can also bring a tape recorder, so you can review information later.
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Rabies
Detailed information on the danger of animal bites and rabies, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Radiation Therapy
Radiation is often used to treat prostate cancer that is still confined to the prostate gland, or has spread only to nearby tissue.
Radiation Therapy and Cancer Treatment
Detailed information on radiation therapy, one type of cancer therapy
Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Treatment
Radiation therapy is a process that precisely sends high levels of radiation directly to the cancer cells. Radiation done after surgery can kill cancer cells that may not be seen during surgery.
Radiosurgery
Radiosurgery uses focused beams of radiation to treat cancerous tissues without a surgical incision or opening. The treatment is called "surgery" because creates a result similar to an actual surgical procedure.
Radon
Detailed information on radon and radon testing
Raynaud's Phenomenon
This disorder affects blood flow to the fingers and less frequently to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose. Exposure to cold and emotional upset are the triggers.
Reactive Arthritis (Reiter's Syndrome)
Reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter's syndrome, is a type of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection somewhere in the body.
Recognizing Gynecologic Problems
Vaginal bleeding and discharge are a normal part of your menstrual cycle. If you notice anything different or unusual, talk with your health care provider.
Recognizing Gynecological Symptoms
Detailed information on recognizing a gynecological problem
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Detailed information on reconstructive plastic surgery, including the most common types
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Overview
The goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to improve body function, but the surgery may also be performed to create a more normal appearance and improve self-esteem.
Recovering From Surgery/Intensive Care
Detailed information on recovering from surgery and intensive care
Recreation Therapist
Recreation therapists design programs to help patients develop social skills and learn to participate in leisure group activities.
Refractive Errors
Astigmatism is one type of refractive error. It's a condition in which an abnormal curvature of the cornea can cause two focal points to fall in two different locations—making objects up close and at a distance appear blurry.
Registered Dietitian
Registered dietitians work with health care providers to calculate calorie and nutrient needs, design special diets, and offer other nutritional advice to patients.
Rehabilitation Case Manager
Case managers usually don't provide direct patient care, but may work either as part of the rehab team or for the patient's insurance company.
Rehabilitation for Neurological Disorders
The goals of a neurological rehab program include helping the patient return to the highest level of function and independence, and improving the overall quality of life—physically, emotionally, and socially.
Rehabilitation for Stroke
Stroke rehabilitation works best when the patient, family, and rehabilitation staff works together as a team. Family members must learn about impairments and disabilities caused by the stroke and how to help the patient achieve optimal function again.
Rehabilitation Nurse
A rehabilitation nurse specializes in helping people with disabilities and chronic illness to reach their best function and health, and to adapt to an altered lifestyle.
Renal Vascular Disease
Detailed information on renal vascular disease, including causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and a full-color anatomical illustration
Repetitive Motion Injury
Repetitive motion injuries, also called repetitive stress injuries, are temporary or permanent injuries to muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons caused by performing the same motion over and over again.
Reproductive Glands
Detailed information on the anatomy and function of the reproductive glands
Respiratory Conditions
Detailed information on respiratory conditions in children, including asthma, croup, the common cold, and the flu
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists help treat and restore function for patients with airway and breathing problems.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless legs syndrome is a sleep disorder in which a person experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs. The legs may feel as though something is creeping or crawling along them, or the sensation may be a tingling or a pulling.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Detailed information on retinitis pigmentosa, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Detailed information on rheumatoid arthritis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Rhinitis
Rhinitis is a reaction that occurs in the eyes, nose, and throat when airborne irritants such as pollen or mold trigger allergy symptoms.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Factors that appear to raise a woman's risk for breast cancer include advancing age, family history, benign breast conditions, and a late menopause.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Detailed information on the risk factors for prostate cancer
Risk Factors for Stroke
The most important controllable risk factor for stroke is controlling high blood pressure. Blood pressure of 140/90 or higher can damage the arteries that supply blood to the brain.
Risks of Physical Inactivity
Lack of physical activity has clearly been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Risks to Pregnancy
Detailed information on the most common risks to pregnancy, including information on alcohol and pregnancy, smoking and pregnancy, drugs and pregnancy, medications during pregnancy, and pre-existing conditions and pregnancy
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Detailed information on Rocky Mountain spotted fever, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Root Canal Therapy
Detailed information on a root canal procedure
Rosacea
Detailed information on the most common types of rosacea, including prerosacea, vascular rosacea, inflammatory rosacea, and rhinophyma
Roseola
Detailed information on roseola, including cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Rotator Cuff Injury
An injury to the rotator cuff, such as a tear, may happen suddenly when falling on an outstretched hand or develop over time because of repetitive activities.
Routine Vaccination Recommendations
Specific vaccine recommendations vary depending on age, geographic location, and other risk factors.
Rubella (German Measles)
Detailed information on rubella, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
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Safer Sex Guidelines
The only safe sex is no sex, most health care providers say. But certain precautions and safe behaviors can minimize a person's risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
Safety and Injury Prevention for Children
Detailed information on safety and injury prevention for children, including information on household safety, first-aid kit, airway obstruction, poisoning, bicycle safety, in-line skating safety, skateboarding safety, scooter safety, toy safety, sports sa
Safety While Traveling Abroad
Detailed safety information for travelers
Salmonella Infections
Salmonella bacteria are usually transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. Beef, poultry, milk, and eggs are common sources.
Scabies
Detailed information on scabies, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Scar Revision
Scar revision may improve the appearance of a scar or restore function to a part of the body that may have been restricted by the scar.
Scars
Detailed information on the different types of scars, including keloid scars, hypertrophic scars, contractures, and adhesions
Schizophrenia
Detailed information on schizophrenia, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
School-Aged Child Nutrition
Eating healthy after-school snacks is important at this age, as these snacks may contribute up to one-third of the total calorie intake for the day.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a pain that originates along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the back of the pelvis down the back of the thigh.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a chronic, degenerative disease that can lead to scarring of the skin, joints, and other internal organs.
Scoliosis
A spine affected by scoliosis shows a sideways curvature and a rotation of the vertebrae, giving the appearance that the person is leaning to one side.
Screening Tests for Common Diseases
Detailed information on the most common types of screening tests for common diseases
Sebaceous Cysts
Detailed information on sebaceous cyst, including treatment
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Detailed information on seborrheic dermatitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap)
Cradle cap can occur on the scalp, diaper area, face, neck, and trunk. Symptoms include dry or greasy scales.
Seizures and Epilepsy in Children
A seizure occurs when parts of the brain receive a burst of abnormal electrical signals that temporarily interrupts normal electrical brain function.
Septicemia
Septicemia is the clinical name for blood poisoning. It is a medical emergency and requires urgent medical treatment.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Detailed information on SARS, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment
Sex During Pregnancy
In most cases, sex during pregnancy is safe. In fact, with your doctor's approval, sexual relations can continue until delivery.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Women suffer more frequent and severe symptoms from STDs. Some STDs can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to both infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
Shellfish Allergy Diet
Detailed information on shellfish allergy, a type of food allergy, including how to read a label for an shellfish-free diet
Shin Splints
Shin splints involve damage to one of two groups of muscles along the shin bone that cause pain. The location of the shin splint pain depends on which group of muscles is damaged.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a common viral infection of the nerves, which results in a painful rash or small blisters on an area of skin anywhere on the body.
Shoulder Dislocation
The shoulder joint is the most frequently dislocated major joint of the body—often caused by a significant force that separates the shoulder joint's ball away from the joint's socket.
Shoulder Pain and Problems
Detailed information on shoulder pain and the most common types of shoulder problems
Shoulder Problems
Detailed information on the most common types of shoulder problems, including shoulder dislocation, shoulder tendonitis, and rotator cuff injury
Shoulder Tendonitis
Shoulder tendonitis often occurs in sports that require the arm to move over the head repeatedly, such as in baseball, weight lifting, and racket sports.
Sickle Cell Disease
Detailed information on sickle cell disease, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain and may cause no symptoms at all.
Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Early prostate cancer usually has no specific signs or symptoms—that's why prostate cancer screening is so important.
Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency medical service immediately. Treatment for stroke is most effective when started as soon as possible.
Signs of Pregnancy / The Pregnancy Test
The signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman, but the most obvious sign usually is a missed period.
Signs of Respiratory Distress
It's important to learn the symptoms of respiratory distress to know how to respond appropriately.
Sinusitis
Detailed information on sinusitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Sinusitis in Children
Detailed information on sinusitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Skin Cancer
Detailed information on skin cancer, including causes, risk factors, prevention, types, and how to perform a skin self-examination
Skin Conditions
Detailed information on skin conditions in children, including acne, birthmarks, bites, stings, blisters, burns, contact dermatitis, cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis), diaper rash, impetigo, lice, poison ivy, poison oak, sunburn, and warts
Skin Growths and Pigmentation Disorders
Detailed information on skin growth and skin pigment disorders
Skin Infections
Detailed information on different types of skin infections, including bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic skin infections
Skin Inflammation (Rashes)
Detailed information on the most common skin inflammations (rashes), including atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, dermatitis herpetiformis, generalized exfoliative dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, localized scratch dermatitis, nummular derm
Skin Injury
Detailed information on different types of skin injury, including blisters, burns, and sunburn
Skin Pigment Disorders
Detailed information on the most common types of skin pigment disorders, including albinism, melasma, vitiligo, and skin pigment loss following sun damage
Skin Self-Examination
Detailed information on skin self-examination, including the importance of skin self-examination in skin cancer prevention and a step-by-step guide
Skin Sweating Disorders
Detailed information on the most common skin sweating disorders, including prickly heat and excessive sweating
Skin Tests
Detailed information on the most common types of skin tests, including patch testing, skin biopsy, and skin culture
Sleep
Detailed information on healthy sleep habits of children, including information on nightmares and night terrors
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder in which a person experiences brief interruptions of breathing during sleep.
Sleep Problems
Detailed information on sleep problems overview
Sleeping During Pregnancy
The best sleeping position for you is on your side, especially the left side, because it allows for maximum blood flow to the fetus and improves your kidney function.
Slow or Poor Infant Weight Gain
Are you concerned that your little one has slow or poor weight gain? Unsure? This article will help you sort out your questions and concerns.
Smell and Taste Disorders (Chemosensory Disorders)
Detailed information on smell and taste disorders, including types, causes, diagnosis, and treatment
Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease
Smokers not only have increased risk of lung disease, including lung cancer and emphysema, but also have increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and oral cancer.
Smoking and Pregnancy
Don't smoke during your pregnancy and limit how much time you spend in environments where there is secondhand smoke.
Smoking and Respiratory Diseases
Smoking is directly responsible for the majority of lung cancer cases (87 percent), emphysema cases, and chronic bronchitis cases.
Snake Bites
Detailed information on snake bites, including symptoms of a poisonous bite and treatment
Snoring
Detailed information on snoring, including causes, prevention, and treatment
Sodium and People with Diabetes
People with diabetes are encouraged to limit the sodium in their diets to help prevent or to control high blood pressure.
Soft-Tissue Injuries
Detailed information on the most common types of soft-tissue injuries
Sore Nipples
Detailed information on breastfeeding and sore nipples
Soy Allergy Diet
Detailed information on soy allergy, a type of food allergy, including how to read a label for a soy-free diet and other potential sources of soy or soy product
Spasmodic Dysphonia
Detailed information on spasmodic dysphonia, including types, causes, diagnosis, and treatment
Special Vaccination Requirements
Review your immunization history with your health care provider and be sure that children over the age of 2 are on schedule with their vaccine series.
Specialized Areas of Rehabilitation
Detailed information on the most common types of rehabilitation, including cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, cancer rehabilitation, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and neurological rehabilitation
Specific Oral Health and Dental Problems
Detailed information on the most common oral health and dental problems
Speech and Voice Disorders
Detailed information on speech and voice disorders, including spasmodic dysphonia and stuttering
Speech/Language Pathologist
A speech/language pathologist helps treat people with communication problems that result from disability, surgery, or developmental disorders. This specialist also treats people with swallowing disorders caused by stroke or brain injury.
Spider Bites
Detailed information on spider bites, including symptoms and treatment
Spinal Cord Injury
A traumatic injury to the spine can cause a bruise, a partial tear, or a complete tear in the spinal cord. The most common sites of injury are the cervical and thoracic areas.
Spirometers
A spirometer is a device that assesses your lung function. It measures the amount and speed of air expelled from your lungs.
Sports and Fractures
Stress fractures are weak spots or small cracks in the bone caused by continuous overuse. They often occur in the foot after training for basketball, running, and other sports.
Sports Injuries
Many sports injuries can be prevented with proper conditioning and training, wearing appropriate protective gear, and using proper equipment.
Sports Injuries and Children
Detailed information on sports injuries in children, including overuse injuries, sprains, strains, and heat-related illnesses
Sports Safety
Because children's bodies are still growing and their coordination is still developing, children are more susceptible than adults to sports injuries.
Sports Safety for Children
Because they are still growing, children are more susceptible to sports injuries. Half of those injuries could be prevented with proper safety gear, safer playing environments, and established safety rules.
Sports-Related Injuries
What is a contusion? A sprain? A strain? Find out more about these common sports injuries.
Sprains and Strains in Children
Strains, sprains, and bruises make up the majority of sports injuries. Treatment for a strain or sprain depends on the child's age and the extent of the injury.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Detailed information on squamous cell carcinoma, including risk factors and places this type of cancer is typically found on the body
Stages of Breast Cancer
When breast cancer is diagnosed, your doctor will order tests to find out if the cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. This is called staging and is an important step toward planning a treatment program.
Staging of Prostate Cancer
When prostate cancer is diagnosed, tests are performed to determine how much cancer is present, and if the cancer has spread from the prostate to other parts of the body.
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
Detailed information on staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Statistics About Prostate Cancer
Statistics of Disability
Approximately 54 million people in the US have some type of disability, with physical, sensory, mental, and self-care effects ranging from mild to severe.
Statistics of Infectious Disease
Statistics relating to infectious disease
Statistics of Stroke
Almost every 40 seconds in the United States, a person experiences a stroke.
Statistics: Gynecological Health at a Glance
Cancer of the endometrium is the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs.
Staying Healthy After Menopause
Good nutrition and regular exercise can help you stay healthy and youthful at this stage of life.
Staying Healthy While You Travel
Detailed information on health preparations before you travel and during travel
Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers (Peptic Ulcers)
Detailed information on stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and peptic ulcers
Stomach Cancer
Detailed information on stomach cancer, including symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment
Stroke
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. A blood clot can block one of the vital blood vessels in the brain or a blood vessel in the brain can burst, spilling blood into surrounding tissues.
Stroke (Brain Attack)
Detailed information on stroke, also called brain attack, including history, statistics, symptoms, types, effects, diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation information
Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR)
STAR was a clinical trial of the drug raloxifene that included more than 19,000 postmenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer. The results showed that raloxifene worked as well as tamoxifen at reducing breast cancer risk.
Stuttering
Stuttering may occur in a child with normal developmental speech problems who is pressured to speak better. The child's struggle to improve speech actually makes the problem worse.
Substance Abuse/Chemical Dependence in Adolescents
Substances frequently abused by adolescents include alcohol, marijuana, and amphetamines. Some teens are at higher risk of developing substance-related disorders.
Substance Abuse/Chemical Dependency
Substance abuse is a pattern of drug use that leads to significant problems such as failure to attend work or school, driving a vehicle while "high," or difficulties with friendships and or family relationships.
Sun Safety
Detailed information on sun safety
Sunburn
Detailed information sunburn, including symptoms and treatment
Sunscreens
Detailed information on the effects of ultraviolet light and the increased risk of skin cancer, including the use of sunscreen as one skin cancer prevention method
Surgery
Detailed information the most common types of surgery to treat cancer, including biopsy, endoscopy, laparoscopy, laparotomy, laser surgery, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, and excisional surgery
Surgery for Breast Cancer Treatment
Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible is the primary treatment for breast cancer. Today, women have many surgical options and choices.
Surgery for Prostate Cancer
Long-term, serious side effects of prostate surgery are somewhat less common now than in the past, as new surgical methods continue to be introduced.
Surgery Overview
Detailed information on surgery, the different types of surgery, the surgical setting, and the purpose of surgery
Surgery Statistics
Statistics relating to surgery
Surgical Pathology
Detailed information on surgical pathology, the study of tissues removed from living patients during surgery to help diagnose a disease and determine a treatment plan
Surgical Site Infections
Your skin is a natural barrier against infection, so any surgery that causes a break in the skin can lead to a postoperative infection. Doctors call these infections surgical site infections because they occur on the part of the body where the surgery took place.
Surgical Treatment for Obesity
Detailed information on obesity surgical treatment, including gastric bypass surgery, and gastric stapling surgery
Sympathetic Nerve Blocks for Pain
This therapy targets the sympathetic nervous system, a series of nerves that spread out from your spine to your body to help control several body functions, including blood flow.
Symptomatic Conditions of Allergy
Detailed information on symptomatic conditions of allergy, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, rhinitis, and urticaria
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Multiple Pregnancy
Every pregnant woman feels like she’s getting big, but if you’re pregnant with two or more babies, you’ll really be growing fast. Be prepared by learning the signs of a multiple birth.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
Most people who have lupus are young women. The effects of the disease can range from mild to severe.
T
Teen Suicide
Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15- to 24-year-olds. The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in youth are depression, substance abuse, and aggressive or disruptive behaviors.
Teething
A baby's first tooth usually appears between 5 and 7 months of age. Often, the two middle bottom teeth come through the gums first, followed by the middle four upper teeth.
Television and Children
Detailed information on television and children, including suggestions for helping set good television viewing habits
Temper Tantrums
These fits of rage—the stomping, screaming, and falling on the floor—are a normal part of childhood development. Temper tantrums often occur only with a parent. They are a way for the child to communicate his or her feelings.
Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
Detailed information on temporomandibular disorder, including causes, symptoms, and treatment
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is an inflammation of a tendon—the tough cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones. Tendonitis can affect any tendon, but is most commonly seen in the wrist and fingers.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are typically a steady ache, rather than a throbbing one, and affect both sides of the head. Stress or muscle tension is often the cause.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer, but the symptoms may resemble other conditions or medical problems.
Tests Performed Before Surgery
Many surgeons order routine laboratory tests before admission to the hospital, or even before certain outpatient procedures, to identify potential problems that might complicate surgery if not detected and treated early.
Tetanus
Detailed information on tetanus, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Thalassemias
Detailed information on thalassemias, including alpha thalassemia, beta thalassemia (Cooley's anemia)
The Adrenal Glands
Detailed information on the adrenal gland, its anatomy and function
The Biliary System: Anatomy and Functions
Detailed anatomical description of the biliary system, including a full-color labeled illustration
The Biopsy Report
Detailed information on biopsy and the biopsy report
The Day of Surgery/Getting Ready For Surgery/The Operating Room
Detailed information on the day of surgery and what to expect in the operating room
The Digestive System: An Overview
Detailed information on how the digestive system works, including a full-color, labeled illustration of the digestive system
The First Trimester
A healthy first trimester is crucial to the normal development of your baby. You may not be showing much on the outside, but inside, all the major body organs and systems of the fetus are forming.
The Growing Child: 1 to 3 Months
At this stage of growth, your baby will gain 1-1/2 to 2 pounds in weight and more than an inch in height each month.
The Growing Child: 10 to 12 Months
Your child can now says da-da and ma-ma, and possibly two other words, as well. He or she can also make a simple gesture such as shaking the head.
The Growing Child: 1-Year-Olds
Your child is a toddler now and very active! He or she can climb stairs while holding on and play with push and pull toys.
The Growing Child: 2-Year-Olds
Speech at this age is becoming clearer. Your child has a vocabulary of 200 to 300 words and can tell his or her age and name.
The Growing Child: 3-Year-Olds
Most 3-year-olds have lost the rounded tummy of a toddler. Your child can use a spoon well and can wash and dry his or her hands.
The Growing Child: 4 to 6 Months
This age is very social, and babies begin moving in much more purposeful ways.
The Growing Child: 7 to 9 Months
A baby of this age rolls over easily from front to back and back to front, and bounces when supported to stand.
The Growing Child: Adolescent (13 to 18 Years)
Adolescence is a time for growth spurts and puberty changes. Sexual maturation may occur gradually or several signs may become visible at the same time.
The Growing Child: Newborn
In the first month of life, babies usually catch up and surpass their birthweight, then steadily continue to gain weight.
The Growing Child: Preschool (4 to 5 Years)
Children at this age begin to understand concepts and can compare abstract ideas.
The Growing Child: School-Age (6 to 12 Years)
Although friendships become more important at this age, children are still fond of their parents and like being part of a family.
The Immune System
The immune system keeps infectious microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, out of the body, and destroys any infectious microorganisms that do invade.
The Liver: Anatomy and Functions
Detailed anatomical description of human liver, including simple definitions and labeled, full-color illustrations
The Menstrual Cycle: An Overview
A woman is generally most fertile (able to become pregnant) a few days before, during, and after ovulation.
The Orthopedic Treatment Team
Members of your treatment team may include an orthopedic surgeon, a rheumatologist, and a physical therapist.
The Pancreas
Detailed anatomical description of human pancreas, including simple definitions and labeled, full-color illustrations
The Pancreas: Anatomy and Functions
Detailed anatomical description of human pancreas, including simple definitions and labeled, full-color illustrations
The Parathyroid Glands
Detailed information on parathyroid glands, including anatomy and function
The Pathologist
Detailed information on pathology and the pathologist
The Pathology Report
Detailed information on pathology and the pathology report
The Pediatrician
You take your kids to the pediatrician for tummy aches and fevers, but a pediatrician does a lot more than care for sick children. This doc is responsible for your child’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being—in sickness and in health.
The Pituitary Gland
Detailed information on the anatomy and function of the pituitary gland
The Pregnant Mother
Detailed information for the pregnant mother, including information on hormones during pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy, nutrition during pregnancy, exercise during pregnancy, work and pregnancy, sex during pregnancy, and sleeping positions during
The Radiologist
Radiology has become highly specialized, as have most other medical and surgical specialties. The current trend is for radiologists to become specialized in a particular discipline, such as cardiology (the study and treatment of the heart) or neurology (the study and treatment of the brain and nervous system).
The Radiology Team
The radiology team is led by one or more radiologists. Radiologists are responsible for interpreting the results of exams, performing certain procedures, conferring and consulting with other physicians in other specialties, and ensuring the overall quality performance of the entire team.
The Second Trimester
During this trimester, the weight of your growing baby will multiply more than seven times—and you will start showing more.
The Surgical Setting
Detailed information on the surgical setting and the options that may be available to the patient, including outpatient surgery, inpatient surgery, ambulatory surgery, and specialty surgery centers
The Surgical Team
The surgical team is made up of a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, and an operating room nurse.
The Third Trimester
The third trimester marks the home stretch for your pregnancy. You may feel more uncomfortable now as you continue to gain weight. You also may have false labor contractions (called Braxton-Hicks contractions).
The Thyroid Gland
Detailed information on the thyroid gland, including anatomy and function
Therapeutic Radiology (Radiation Oncology)
Detailed information on therapeutic radiology, including information on external beam therapy and brachytherapy
Therapeutic Radiology Overview
Thrombocythemia
Detailed information on thrombocythemia, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Thrombosis
Detailed information on thrombosis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is normal in infants and young children. It shouldn't cause any permanent problems if your child stops by age 5.
Thyroid Disorders in Women
Detailed information on thyroid disorders in women
Thyroid Function Tests
Detailed information on the most common types of thyroid function tests
Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy
Detailed information on thyroid hormone replacement therapy
Thyroid Tumor Overview
Detailed information on thyroid tumors, including symptoms and treatment
Ticks and Lyme Disease
Detailed information on Lyme disease, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Time-Out
Detailed information on child discipline and time-out
Tinea Infections (Ringworm)
Detailed information on the most common types of ringworm, including diagnosis and treatment
Tinea Versicolor
Detailed information on tinea versicolor, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the sound of ringing, roaring, buzzing, or clicking that occurs inside the head. The sounds may come and go, be continuous, occur in one or both ears, and vary in pitch.
Toddler Nutrition
Mealtime with a toddler can be challenging, because children at this age are striving for independence and control. It's best to provide structure and set limits.
Toilet-Training
Detailed information on toilet-training your child
Tonsillitis
Detailed information on tonsillitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment
Tooth Decay (Caries or Cavities)
Detailed information on tooth decay and preventing cavities
Tooth Decay (Caries or Cavities) in Children
Tooth decay first appears as white spots on the teeth. The cavity then turns a light brown color and progressively becomes darker.
Tooth Fillings
Detailed information on tooth fillings, including the different types such as dental amalgams, composite resins, porcelain veneers, crowns, and cast gold restorations
Topic Index - Allergy and Asthma
Detailed information on allergy and asthma, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, control, and treatment
Topic Index - Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
Detailed information on the most common types of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, gout, infectious arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, lyme disease, low back pa
Topic Index - Bone Disorders
Detailed information on the anatomy of human bones and the most common bone disorders, including avascular necrosis, fibrous dysplasia, osteogenesis imperfecta, osteomyelitis, Paget's disease of the bone, primary hyperparathyroidism, bone cancer, chondros
Topic Index - Breast Health
Detailed information on breast health, anatomy of the breast, breast development, breast cancer prevention, common breast conditions, and breast cancer in males and females
Topic Index - Cardiovascular Diseases
Detailed information on the most common types cardiovascular diseases, including symptoms, prevention, diagnostic, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, ICDs, and treatment information
Topic Index - Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Detailed information on different forms of complementary and alternative therapy, including information on safety and risks
Topic Index - Dermatology
Detailed information on dermatology and common skin conditions
Topic Index - Diabetes
Detailed information on diabetes, including facts, statistics, types, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and management
Topic Index - Digestive Disorders
Detailed information on digestive disorders, including anatomy of the digestive system, digestive disorders diagnosis, digestive disorders medications, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, and stomach cancer
Topic Index - Endocrinology
Detailed information on endocrine disorders
Topic Index - Environmental Medicine
Detailed information on environmental disease factors, including mold, air pollution, asthma triggers, carbon monoxide poisoning, lead poisoning, radon, multiple chemical sensitivity, electric and magnetic fields, and Gulf war syndrome
Topic Index - Eye Care
Detailed information on eye care, including anatomy of the eye, eye care specialists, eye examinations, correcting or improving vision, low vision, eye disorders, and eye safety
Topic Index - Gynecological Health
Detailed information on gynecological health, including anatomy of the female pelvis, gynecological statistics, menstrual conditions, menopause, gynecological inflammations, gynecological infections, hysterectomy, and gynecological cancers
Topic Index - Hematology and Blood Disorders
Detailed information about hematology and blood disorders, including blood donations, blood banking, blood transfusion, bone marrow transplantation, aplastic anemia, anemia of folate deficiency, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hemolytic anem
Topic Index - Home Health, Hospice, and Elder Care
Detailed information on home health, hospice, and elder care, including types of provides, paying for care, and choosing a provider
Topic Index - Infectious Diseases
Detailed information on the most common infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, chickenpox, chronic fatigue syndrome, common cold, diphtheria, E. coli, giardiasis, infectious mononucleosis, influenza (flu), lyme disease, malaria, measles, meningitis, mum
Topic Index - Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders
Detailed information on liver, biliary, and pancreatic disorders
Topic Index - Men's Health
Detailed information on the most common health concerns for men, including male breast cancer, gynecomastia, colorectal cancer, erectile dysfunction (impotence), hair loss, heart attack, high blood pressure (hypertension), insomnia, low back pain, inferti
Topic Index - Mental Health Disorders
Detailed information on mental health disorders, including the psychiatric evaluation, the psychiatric treatment team, seeking mental health treatment, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, substance ab
Topic Index - Nervous System Disorders
Here is a list of the most common types of neurological disorders, including acute spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and headaches.
Topic Index - Non-Traumatic Emergencies
Detailed information on potential emergency situations and conditions, including animal bites, rabies, cat scratch disease, appendicitis, asthma attack, chest pain, heart attack, dehydration, heat stroke, fever, food allergy, food-drug interaction, frostb
Topic Index - Oral Health
Detailed information on oral and dental heathcare
Topic Index - Orthopedic Disorders
Detailed information on the most common orthopedic disorders, including arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, elbow pain, elbow problems, cubital tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfers el
Topic Index - Otolaryngology
Detailed information on ear, nose, and throat disorders
Topic Index - Pathology
Detailed information on pathology, the study of disease
Topic Index - Pediatrics
Detailed information on common childhood illnesses and concerns
Topic Index - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Detailed information on physical medicine and rehabilitation
Topic Index - Plastic Surgery
Detailed information on plastic surgery, including cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery
Topic Index - Pregnancy and Childbirth
Detailed information on pregnancy and childbirth, including information on birth statistics, pregnancy planning, preconception care, prenatal care, pregnancy discomforts, pregnancy tests, pregnancy risks, pregnancy warning signs, labor and delivery, breas
Topic Index - Prostate Health
Detailed information on prostate health, including prostate conditions, prostate cancer, anatomy of the prostate, prostatism, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, impotence, and urinary incontinence
Topic Index - Radiology
Detailed information on radiology, including the radiologist, the radiology team, radiological imaging, diagnostic radiology, therapeutic radiology, radiation oncology, and interventional radiology
Topic Index - Respiratory Disorders
Here's a list of respiratory conditions, as well as information on treatment and prevention.
Topic Index - Skin Cancer
Detailed information on skin cancer, including anatomy of the skin, skin cancer facts, skin cancer causes, skin cancer types, cutaneous t-cell lymphoma, actinic keratosis, skin cancer treatment, sun-damaged skin, skin cancer prevention, sunscreen, and skin self examination
Topic Index - Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis Disorders
Detailed information on the most common disorders of the spine, shoulder, and pelvis, including arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, avascular necrosis, bursitis, hip problems, hip replacement, kyphosis, low back pain, neck problems, neck pain, torticollis,
Topic Index - Surgical Care
Detailed information on surgery, including surgery statistics, surgery questions, preoperative management, intraoperative management, and postoperative management
Topic Index - Travel Medicine
Detailed information on the most common high risk diseases for travelers, including African trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness), mad cow disease, HIV, AIDS, cholera, e. coli, dengue fever, diarrheal disease, cryptosporidiosis, diarrhea, traveler's
Topic Index - Urology
Detailed information on the most common urogenital disorders, including analgesic nephropathy, bladder cancer, cystocele (fallen bladder), end stage renal disease, glomerulonephritis, glomerulosclerosis, goodpasture syndrome, hematuria (blood in the urine
Topic Index - Women's Health
Detailed information on healthcare for women, including information on breast health, colorectal cancer, diabetes, gynecological concerns, heart attack, hysterectomy, infertility, menopause, mental health, osteoporosis, skin cancer, and urinary conditions
Torn Meniscus
Meniscus tears can occur during a rotating movement while bearing weight, such as when twisting the upper leg while the foot stays in one place during sports and other activities.
Torticollis (Wryneck)
Torticollis is a spasm of the neck muscles. It is usually caused by vigorous movement or injury—or by sleeping in an awkward position.
Tourette's Disorder
A person with Tourette's disorder develops multiple repeated tics. The tics are abrupt, purposeless, and involuntary vocal sounds or muscular jerks.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Detailed information on toxic epidermal necrolysis, including symptoms and treatment
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Detailed information on toxic shock syndrome, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Toy Safety
Detailed information on toy safety and injury prevention in children
Traveler's Checklist
Detailed checklist for travelers to ensure a safe and healthy trip
Traveler's Diarrhea
Detailed information on traveler's diarrhea, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Traveler's First-Aid Kit
Detailed list of what a traveler's first-aid kit should include
Traveling While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
Detailed information on traveling while pregnancy or breastfeeding
Traveling With Children
Detailed information on traveling with children
Traveling with Chronic Conditions
See your doctor as early as possible before you leave on your trip. Discuss any risks that may be involved and plan for immunizations, medication, and medical devices you may need while you're away.
Traveling with Diabetes
Detailed information on traveling with diabetes
Traveling With HIV
Detailed information on traveling with HIV
Traveling With Special Needs
Detailed information for travelers with special needs
Treating Aged or Sun-Damaged Skin
Detailed information on treating aged or sun-damaged skin
Treating Sun-Damaged Skin
Detailed information on treating sun-damaged skin
Treatment and Management of Diabetes
Detailed information on diabetes treatment and management
Treatment for Allergy
The three most effective ways to treat allergies are avoidance, immunotherapy, and medication.
Treatment for Arthritis
Detailed information on the most common treatments used for arthritis
Treatment for Asthma
Two types of medication are used to treat asthma: long-term control medication and short-term, quick-relief medication.
Treatment for Skin Cancer
Detailed information on the most common treatments for skin cancer, including surgery, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, electrochemotherapy, biological therapy, and photodynamic therapy
Treatment for Stroke
Although there is no cure for stroke, advanced medical and surgical treatments are now available, giving many stroke victims hope for optimal recovery.
Treatment of Diabetes
Treatment of Obesity
Detailed information on obesity treatment, including obesity medical treatment, obesity surgical treatment, obesity gastric bypass (malabsorptive) surgery, and obesity gastric stapling (restrictive) surgery
Treatment Plans
For most orthopedic disorders and injuries, more than one form of treatment may be appropriate.
Treatment Protocols for Cancer: Overview
The conventional, primary methods of treating cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy/biological therapy. Your doctor will determine which treatment or treatments are best for you.
Treatments for Bone Disorders
Detailed information on the most common treatments used for bone disorders, including radiation therapy, surgery, amputation, bone graft, osteotomy, and arthroplasty (total joint replacement)
Treatments for Breast Cancer
Detailed information on breast cancer treatment, including surgery, breast reconstruction, lymphedema, breast prosthesis, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, Tamoxifen, and Taxol
Treatments for Prostate Cancer
Detailed information on the most common treatment for prostate cancer
Tree Nut Allergy Diet
Detailed information on tree nut allergy, a type of food allergy, including how to read a label for a tree nut-free diet
Triggers for Asthma Attacks
Asthma triggers include pollen, mold, animal dander, and air pollutants such as tobacco smoke.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Detailed information on tuberculosis, including risks, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment
Tummy Tuck
In a tummy tuck procedure, excess fat and skin are surgically removed from the middle and lower abdomen, and the muscles of the abdomen wall are tightened.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children or young adults, but can start at any age.
Type 2 Diabetes
A person with type 2 diabetes either can't make enough insulin or can't properly use it.
Types of Anesthesia and Your Anesthesiologist
During surgery, you will be given some form of anesthesia—medication administered for the relief of pain and sensation during surgery. The type and dosage of anesthesia is determined by the anesthesiologist.
Types of Arbovirus Encephalitis
Detailed information on the most common types of encephalitis, including Japanese encephalitis, tickborne encephalitis, and arbovirus encephalitis
Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Detailed information on different forms of complementary and alternative therapy, including information on safety and risks
Types of Hand Conditions
Detailed information on the most common hand conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, congenital hand deformity, dupuytrens contracture, and rheumatoid arthritis
Types of Home Health and Hospice Care Providers
Home health and hospice care can be provided by many different types of organizations, agencies, companies, and individuals. Choosing the service that is right for your family requires some research.
Types of Home Health Care Services
The range of home health care services a patient can receive at home is limitless. Care can range from nursing care to specialized medical services such as laboratory work-ups.
Types of Hospice Care Services
The goal of hospice is to provide comfort and care, not "cure" the illness or disease. Types of hospice care services provided depend on the patient's needs and preferences.
Types of Muscular Dystrophy and Neuromuscular Diseases
Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases that are characterized by weakness and wasting away of muscle tissue, with or without the breakdown of nerve tissue.
Types of Skin Cancer
Detailed information on the most common types of skin cancer
Types of Skin Conditions
Detailed information on the most common types of skin conditions, including laser surgery for skin conditions
Types of Stroke
Strokes are classified as either ischemic or hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are caused by blockage of an artery. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain.
Types of Surgery
Detailed information on the different types of surgery, including surgical diagnosis, optional surgery, elective surgery, required surgery, urgent surgery, or emergency surgery
Typhoid Fever
Detailed information on typhoid fever, including spread, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and traveling
U
Ulcerative Colitis
Detailed information on ulcerative colitis, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment
Ultrafast CT (Computed Tomography) Scan
Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography scans, also called ultrafast CT scan or ultrafast CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed
Ultrasound
Detailed information on ultrasonograpy, also called sonography including information on how the procedure is performed
Ultraviolet Radiation
Detailed information on the effects of ultraviolet light and exposure categories according the Ultraviolet (UV) Index
Underactive Adrenal Glands/Addison's Disease
Detailed information on Addison's disease, the result of an underactive adrenal gland, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Unintentional Injury Statistics
Statistics relating to unintentional injuries
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI or Common Cold)
The common cold is one of the most common illnesses, leading to more doctor visits and absences from school each year than any other illness.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Detailed information on upper respiratory infections, upper respiratory infections symptoms, upper respiratory infections treatment
Urinary Conditions
Detailed information on the most common urinary conditions for women, including urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, and interstitial cystitis
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the loss of urine control, or the inability to hold your urine until you can reach a bathroom.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections are a serious, but common, health problem that affects millions of people each year. Women are especially prone to urinary tract infections.
Urinary Tract Infections in Children
Detailed information on urinary tract infections, including causes, symptom, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Urogenital Disorders
Detailed information on the most common urogenital disorders, including bladder cancer, cystocele (fallen bladder), hematuria, blood in the urine, impotence, erectile dysfunction, interstitial cystitis, male factor infertility, prostate disease, benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH, prostate cancer, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, vesicoureteral reflux
Urticaria/Hives
Detailed information on urticaria, also called hives, including what food and medicines commonly cause hives
Usher Syndrome
Detailed information on Usher syndrome, including types, diagnosis, and treatment
Uterine Cancer
Cancer of the uterus usually occurs around the time menopause begins. The occasional reappearance of bleeding should not be considered simply part of menopause, but should be checked by a doctor.
UV Exposure Categories
Detailed information on the effects of ultraviolet light and exposure categories according the Ultraviolet (UV) Index
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Vaginal Cancer
Cancer of the vagina is rare. Certain factors thought to raise the risk for this type of cancer include advancing age, history of cervical cancer, and infection with the human papillomavirus.
Vaginitis
Vaginitis is a common problem for women of all ages. Bacteria, yeast, viruses, and chemicals in creams or sprays can cause it.
Vascular Conditions and Diseases
Detailed information on vascular conditions and diseases
Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a permanent male birth control measure and a means of contraception used in many parts of the world.
Vein Removal
More than one in five women has some form of varicose condition. Varicose and spider veins can be treated in several ways, including injections, surgery, and laser.
Venous Ulcers
Ulcers can affect any area of the skin but commonly occur on the legs. Leg ulcers caused by circulation problems with the veins in the legs are known as venous ulcers.
Ventricular Fibrillation
Ventricular fibrillation is a dangerous, potentially life-threatening heart rhythm problem. This type of arrhythmia can cause the heart to stop beating abruptly and lead to death within minutes.
Vesicoureteral Reflux
Detailed information on vesicoureteral reflux, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
Detailed information on viral hemorrhagic fever, including symptoms, treatment, and prevention
Viral Hepatitis Overview
Detailed information on the different types of hepatitis, including viral hepatitis, hepatitis a, hepatitis b, and hepatitis c
Viral Infections of the Skin
Detailed information on the most common viral infections of the skin, including cold sores, molluscum contagiosum, shingles (herpes zoster), and warts
Vision Milestones
Detailed information on a child's vision milestones
Vision, Hearing and Speech Overview
Vision, Hearing, and Speech Milestones
Detailed information on a child's vision, hearing, and speech milestones
Vital Signs (Body Temperature, Pulse Rate, Respiration Rate, Blood Pressure)
Vital signs are useful in detecting or monitoring medical problems. Vital signs can be measured in a medical setting, at home, at the site of a medical emergency, or elsewhere.
Vocal Cord Disorders
Detailed information on the most common vocal cord disorders, including laryngitis, vocal nodules, vocal polyps, vocal cord paralysis, contact ulcers, and laryngeal papillomatosis
Vocational Counselor
Vocational rehabilitation counselors assist people with disabilities in planning careers and finding and keeping satisfying jobs.
Vulvar Cancer
Nearly 90 percent of vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Melanoma is the second most common type of vulvar cancer.
Vulvitis
Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva, the soft folds of skin outside the vagina. It is a symptom of a host of diseases, infections, injuries, and allergies.
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Warning Signs During Pregnancy
Call your health care provider immediately if you have bleeding from the vagina, blurry vision, severe headaches, or other specific symptoms.
Warts
Detailed information on the most common types of warts, including foot warts, flat warts, genital warts, and filiform warts
Warts in Children
Detailed information on the most common types of warts, including foot warts, flat warts, genital warts, and filiform warts
Watch Your Weight
If your weight is not in the healthy range for your height and build, the best way to lose weight is to set a reasonable goal and lose it slowly and gradually.
Water Safety for Parents
Whether you decided to have your baby boy circumcised or not, it’s important to know how to care for his special needs. Find tips for caring for both circumcised and uncircumcised babies.
Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Average weight gain for women is between 25 and 35 pounds, although slight deviations from this may also be considered normal.
Well-Care Visits
Detailed information on well-care visits and children, including when well-care visits should be scheduled
West Nile Virus
Detailed information on West Nile virus, including symptoms, prevention, and treatment
What To Do If You Get Sick While Traveling
Detailed information on how to respond if you become ill or injured while traveling
Wheat Allergy Diet
Detailed information on wheat allergy, a type of food allergy, including how to read a label for a wheat-free diet
When to Call For Help
Detailed information on when to call for help in an emergency situation
When You’re HIV-Positive: What to Say
Not all friends and loved ones need to know. Since the main benefit for you is their understanding and support, you need to think about which trusted friends and family members are most likely to offer the support you need.
Whiplash Injury
Whiplash is an injury caused by the neck bending forcibly forward and then backward, or vice versa. The injury usually involves the muscles, discs, nerves, and tendons in the neck.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in Adults
Detailed information on whooping cough, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Because most mouths are too small for the four additional molars called wisdom teeth, these teeth usually must be extracted.
Women's Health Care Guidelines
Get regular checkups, preventive examinations, and immunizations. Learn about disease prevention and ask your physician for specific information regarding your needs.
Work and Pregnancy
Most women are able to work safely, in some cases, until the day of delivery, depending on the type of work performed and their condition.
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X-Rays
Detailed information on x-ray, including information on how the procedure is performed
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Yellow Fever
Detailed information on yellow fever, including symptom, prevention, and treatment
Your Child's Growth and Development
Detailed information on growth and development of children
