Information on Diseases, Illnesses & Conditions

There are several different test for diabetic retinopathy that your ophthalmologist can perform. This article discusses the most common tests, how they are performed and why they are used.

How to tell the difference between a heart attack, anxiety, and intercostal muscle spasms. All three may cause chest pain and difficulty breathing.

Cataracts will affect all of us at some point in our lives. This article discusses the symptoms and treatments for different types of senile cataracts that are the result of the aging process.

I have had several bowel obstructions, so I've learned a lot about how to recognize the signs and symptoms. I hope to help others tell whether they might be suffering from this painful condition.

Symptoms of glaucoma often do not show up until considerable visual loss has occurred. This is not the case for diabetics, however. Someone with diabetes is at much higher risk for vision loss.

We've all had itchy or watery eyes, and many of us have had dryness at one time or another. This article has all the information you need on dry eyes, including treatments and causes.

Affecting the central nervous system and resulting in damage in the brain and spinal cord, MS is an autoimmune disease. Symptoms can be debilitating, with the condition being more prevalent in women.

Keratitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the cornea. There can be several reasons for this inflammation. This article discusses the causes and symptoms of keratitis.

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a disease that affects the muscles and currently has no cure. There are several types of MD, and they are more prevalent in men than women. This article explains the characteristics of each type of MD.

The official definition of high blood pressure or hypertension has changed many times over the years, and this has caused a lot of frustration in the medical community.

Maybe you were diagnosed with IC, but the diet and symptoms don't fit the diagnosis. Could it be something else like a recurrent infection? Find out here.

I am frequently asked about rare blood types. The most common questions are about the Rh Negative blood type. The next most common questions are about rare blood types being special in some way. This article will be helpful in answering questions and superstitions in "golden" or "special" blood.

Canker sores are a very common complaint that pharmacists hear. Very effective treatments are available with over-the-counter products. Not sure which one to choose? Read more here.

Age-related macular degeneration destroys vision and quality of life. This article explains the disease, causes, and treatments.

When does simple indigestion suggest the need for seeing your physician?

The term “wet brain” is an informal (non-medical) term used to describe a number of irreversible, organic brain diseases related to alcohol that cause mental impairment and physical disabilities.

So, you're in the hospital and the alarm on the telemetry monitor is going off. But the staff tells you its nothing but PVCs. What gives?!? Well, PVCs aren't a big deal. Read on to learn why.

If you suffer from frequent nosebleeds, it can be distressing and embarrassing. What are the most common causes?

As we get older, everything in the body begins to break down. The eye is no exception! This article explains the five most common problems that affect the eyes of older adults.

Did you know there are three different types of pink eye? Or that this condition is more prevalent in the summer? Here's what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.

Diabetes can wreak havoc on the body. No where is this more prevalent than in the eye. Learn how diabetes causes problems in the retina, how these issues are diagnosed, and their possible treatments.

What is a posterior vitreous detachment? What are floaters and flashes? This article explains what they are, how they form, and whether they are a threat to your vision.

When your spouse passes away, you may experience broken heart syndrome, which puts you, as the grieving mate, at a higher risk for cardiovascular events. Tips for the bereaved spouse along with suggestions for family and friends to help get through the grieving process are included.

The term "color blind" is rather misleading. Those who are affected can still see color, just much differently than those with normal color vision.

The flu vaccine is ready for the 2019-2020 season. This vaccine saves lives, so learn the facts. People older than six months should be vaccinated according to the CDC. In 2018, 80,000 in the U.S. died from the flu, plus numerous people were hospitalized. A new vaccine must be developed each year.

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that is associated with stomach ulcers as well as stomach cancer. It can cause an inflammation in the lining of the stomach which can lead to gastritis. Approximately half of the world population is infected.

Shingles is a very serious and painful viral infection. If you have had chicken pox in the past, you have a higher risk. This article explains symptoms, typical treatments, and risk factors.

The EEG "flat line" has indicated death, even when other organs function. In 2013, medical researchers discovered in coma patients a deeper level of (un)consciousness at which brain activity re-starts.

The stages of dying checklist can be used to understand how to deal with a relative's needs as they move through the dying process.

People who are blind or partially sighted face many barriers when seeking employment.

Being homebound can present additional difficulties in the care and treatment of Parkinson's disease for both the patient and their caregiver. Here are some at-home exercises to continue their therapy while they wait to resume their physical therapy appointments.

First noted by the U.S. medical system in 2012, the mysterious acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) became a growing concern until a Midwestern medical school and public health college involved their professionals to seek answers.

Anemia affects both children and adults. Anemia due to low red blood cell counts is different from leukemia which is a low white blood cell count. Anemia affects the ability of the red cells to carry oxygen to all body organs. Leukemia affects the ability of white cells to fight infections.

Diabetes can cause a myriad of problems not only in the body, but in the eye as well. It can even lead to blindness. This article discusses the different ways diabetic disease can cause vision loss.

Narrow angle glaucoma attacks are very painful and usually strike without any warning. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this condition.

This article examines diverticulitis and diverticular disease: diagnosis, incidence, and complications such as ruptures or perforation of the bowel with formation of fistula.

Cataract surgery has been around since 800 BC, but the intraocular lens (IOL) is a recent invention. An IOL is a device implanted into the eye to correct vision after a cataract is removed.

A heart attack is a very scary thing, and landing yourself in the ICU is even scarier. An experienced cardiac ICU nurse explains why you shouldn't necessarily panic.

Autoimmune hepatitis is a disease that can be mild or very serious as it causes inflammation of the liver. Learn about the risk factors and symptoms of the disease, as well as how it is diagnosed and treated.

Despite an improved understanding of autism spectrum disorder, there is still misinformation. Here are some common myths about the disorder.

There are many different kinds of coughs: productive chest cough, non-productive or dry cough, whooping cough, barking cough, psychogenic cough, and reflex cough. When should you see a doctor?

When Geraldine Ferraro was diagnosed with cancer, she was given 3 years to live. She lived for 12 more years. Learn what she believed helped her cope—and why she survived far longer than expected.

Information on the structures of the outside of the eye, as well as diseases and ailments that affect these structures, such as pink eye and blepharitis.

Follow these 8 basic techniques of proper brushing and notice a world of difference in the appearance of your gums and teeth!

Oral cancer can be deadly, especially when it is overlooked. This article covers examination techniques when it comes to checking yourself for cancerous markings in the mouth.

When we think of infections that IV drug users get, we think of HIV. But there are so many other infections IV drug addicts can contract that can be potentially life-threatening. Here are just a few.

A stroke can significantly affect an individual in more ways than one. An investigation into the social, emotional, financial, and physical effects of stroke.

Teeth grinding is fairly common, but when left untreated can seriously injure the teeth, jaw joint, neck, and spine.. symptoms, causes, & natural treatment..

Learn about what causes the various types of kidney stones and the best ways to avoid developing them in the future. Here's a hint: you should have listened to your mother!

No one else cares as much about your health as you should. Never be afraid to ask questions. In this article, we will discuss how to properly measure and interpret your blood pressure.

A common misconception is that certain foods like nuts and seeds can cause diverticulitis. However, there is no scientific evidence for this. Here is a general guideline for what foods you can and can't eat when you have diverticulitis.

Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome is a rare but serious, sometimes deadly, respiratory disease that has been found mostly in rural areas of the western U.S. The disease is caused by a hantavirus that is carried by rodents and passed on to humans through infected rodent body fluids and droppings.

YAG capsulotomies are routine procedures used to restore vision after the formation of a secondary cataract, also called posterior capsular opacification.

Do you have difficulty driving at night? This article explores some of the potential causes—as well as suggestions for how to reduce the problem.

Raccoon roundworm is a serious parasite that can cause scary neurological symptoms in humans and dogs. Find out what the symptoms are, how it's acquired, and information about diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

This article is about asthma in general, as well as specific triggers and treatments. Written by an experienced nurse.

This article covers the things you want to know about resuming activity, range of motion, scar management, sensory re-education, and lymphedema prevention after a mastectomy.

Thyroid and gallbladder health are intricately connected. After gallbladder removal surgery, thyroid functioning often declines. Alternatively, thyroid dysfunction can result in decreased bile flow and the formation of gallstones. Proper nutrition, gut health, and supplementation can benefit both.

Have you ever wondered why you have such an itchy buttocks? Well, there are various reasons for a case of itchy buttocks, most of which are no big deal. You can breathe a sigh of relief now.

Did you know there's a correct way to sneeze? Read the how's and the why's, written by a nurse.

Piles (or haemorrhoids) is a common condition that has been documented as far back as the biblical times. Around 50% of the population will suffer from piles at one point or another by the age of 50.

The emotional pain of getting a sexually transmitted disease, or STD, is devastating. You question the fidelity of your relationship, the risks to your health, and the future of your quality of life.

Scratched corneas can be very painful, and if left untreated they can cause vision loss. This article discusses causes, treatments, and information about what the condition feels like for the patient.

You know that feeling when you wake up in the morning and your tummy is aching. You feel nauseous, and eating breakfast is the furthest thing from your mind. This may be a sign of gastritis.

Originating in Wuhan, China, the coronavirus has now spread to over 20 countries as travelers to the region return to their respective nations. Is it a global health emergency? How can we prevent it from becoming one?

Reading an eyeglass prescription may seem daunting, but this article will make it much easier to understand.

Written by an optician, this article explains how to interpret an eyeglass prescription.

Find out some potential causes, related symptoms, treatments, and self-help regimens to unravel the mystery of the "lump in the throat" phenomenon.

The inappropriate secretion of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) from the pituitary gland and thyroid gland’s dysfunction leads to the onset of hypothyroidism. The limited production of thyroid hormone inside the human body leads to the development of hypothyroidism.

Irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease both affect the digestive system. While both can be quite distressing and even debilitating, they are quite different entities.

Spring is in the air, in spite of the six inches of snow outside, we are looking forward to a long hot summer. It's time to dig out those sexy shoes and sandals, time to uncover and show off those gorgeous legs; but wait, what is going on with the...

Lipoma is a skin condition that causes many people to worry. It affects many people in the world today. Here is everything you need to know about it.