Diarrhea is a common ailment that most everyone experiences from time to time. It is characterized by the passing of loose, watery stool accompanied by abdominal pain and cramping. Diarrhea typically clears up on its own within a few days, but severe or chronic diarrhea that lasts for weeks can …
Read More »What Is Cystitis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Bladder inflammation is usually caused by an infection, but cystitis can also be brought on by drugs and irritants. Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder that is often caused by a bacterial infection. Your bladder is a muscle sac, located in the lower part of your abdomen, that collects …
Read More »What Is a Colectomy?
Bowel obstruction, cancer, or an inflammatory bowel disease may require removal of part or all of the large intestine. Collectomy is a procedure that can remove all or part of your colon. Surgery is performed to prevent or treat conditions that affect the bowel, such as: Bowel cancer Intestinal obstruction …
Read More »What Is COPD? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is an umbrella term for lung conditions that block air flow and cause difficulty breathing. There are two main types of COPD: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHBLI), most people suffer from COPD. (1) “Think of …
Read More »What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by a nerve entangled in the wrist. (1) The carpal tunnel is a narrow passage to the palm of the wrist. One of the most important nerves in the hand – the median nerve – passes …
Read More »What Are Beta Blockers?
This important and widely used class of drugs treats several cardiovascular conditions. Beta blockers are a group of drugs used to lower blood pressure. They are given to treat or prevent a variety of conditions, including: High blood pressure Random heartbeat Chest pain Congestive heart failure Heart attack Glaucoma Migraine …
Read More »What Is Botulism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
This paralytic illness is caused by the same nerve toxins used in Botox injections. Botulism is a rare, paralyzing disease caused by nerve toxins from some of the spores that cause Clostridium bacteria, which are found in soil and untreated water. Clostridium botulinum bacteria are usually the cause of this …
Read More »When to Worry About Bedwetting
Bedwetting, also called nocturnal aneurysm, is a common condition that affects some 5 million children in the United States. It is more common in girls than in boys. According to Howard J. Bennett, a pediatrician in Washington, D.C., and author of numerous books on children’s health, “Unless doctors wet the …
Read More »What Is Atrial Fibrillation? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Atrial fibrillation (AF or AF) is a type of heart rhythm disorder, or arrhythmia. It causes your heart to beat very fast, and the upper and lower chambers of your heart do not work properly. (1) Aafib begins in the upper chambers of your heart, called the atria. Fibrillation refers …
Read More »What Is Antisocial Personality Disorder? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
In popular culture, people with social personality disorder (ASPD) are often referred to as “sociopaths”, a term used to describe images of mass murderers or bizarre thrillers that are highly diamond. There are secrets about people who hurt other people. Although there are individuals with individualistic personality disorders who meet …
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