Diseases And Health Conditions

Understanding Ovarian Cysts: Treatments, Causes, and Prevention

Fluid-filled cysts can develop on the ovary (a female reproductive organ). These cysts are quite common in women who have reached child bearing age. They usually don't cause symptoms. They can sometimes be very painful and need to be treated. Understanding the causes and treatment options for ovarian cancer is crucial. It all boils down to: A small, fluid-filled sac that develops on the ovary is called an ovarian cyst. The cyst can be anywher...

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What's it all about?

Carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as CTS (nerve entrapment disorder), is common and affects wrists and hands. The median nerve runs from the forearm to the palm of your hand and becomes compressed at the wrist. This condition may cause weakness and numbness in the arm and hand. CTS, which affects 3 to 6 per cent of Americans, is the most prevalent nerve disorder. Carpal tunnel: This is the narrow passageway between bones and ligame...

Autism: What does it mean?

Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD (autism spectrum disorder), refers to a neurologic condition that affects the way people perceive the world and how they interact with it. Autism is characterised by problems in communication and social interaction, sensory processing and repetitive behavior. Autism is a developmental disability that affects approximately 1 out 54 American children. Autism Common Causes Although the exact cause of autism remains u...

How to Reduce High Cholesterol.

Millions of Americans are affected by high cholesterol every year. This is when there is too much LDL (low density lipoprotein), cholesterol in your blood. It can cause heart disease, and other conditions. Lifestyle factors like poor diet, inactivity, smoking and excess weight are all associated with high cholesterol. You may also have high cholesterol due to certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressu...

A Review of Smallpox

The variola virus can cause smallpox, a potentially fatal and contagious disease. This is one of the most common infectious diseases known and it has been a problem for mankind since antiquity. After a worldwide vaccination campaign that was successful, the World Health Organization (WHO), declared smallpox eradicated. Smallpox is most commonly characterized by fever and fatigue. It can also cause an intense, rash-like appearance that covers the whole body. S...

Fatty Liver: The Essential Information

Steatosis is also called fatty liver. It's a condition where fat builds up in liver cells. Fatty liver is a common condition that affects up to 25%. It's usually not symptomatic. Fatigued liver may be caused by obesity, excess Alcoholintake, diabetes and Hyperlipidemia. It all boils down to: Fat liver refers to the accumulation of liver fat that is greater than 5%-10% the organ's total weight. Although this buildup is genera...

What's Peptic Ulcer Disease?

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition that affects the digestive system. It occurs when the linings of the stomach and duodenum become inflamed. Up to 10%of people will experience PUD in their lifetime. An imbalance in stomach protective and aggressive factors can lead to PUD. The result can be damage to the mucosal layers and ulcer formation. Peptic Ulcer Disease: Common Causes Most common causes of persistent upper respiratory distress (PUD) are ...

Understanding Cataracts: Treatments and Natural Remedies

Millions of people worldwide are affected by cataracts. Cataracts are a condition that causes blurred vision due to clouding in the lens. A cataract can cause blurry vision or cloudy vision as the most prevalent symptom. Other symptoms include sensitivity to light, blurred vision at night, halos around lights and faded colors. Although cataracts are possible at any age they can become more prevalent as we get older. The ...

Is Wilson's Disease a real thing?

Wilson's Disease is an uncommon and inheritable disorder. It results in copper accumulation in various organs of the body including the liver and brain. This disorder is due to a defect of the gene ATP7B. It regulates the amount and excretion of copper in the body. It affects men and women equally and affects one in every 30,000 worldwide. Wilson's disease symptoms can vary from mild to severe. They can cause fatigue, jaundice and abdominal pain. It can also lead to diff...

Bursitis: What are its symptoms and how can you treat it?

Bursitis affects small, fluid-filled sacs around the joints (bursae). These sacs can become inflamed and cause swelling, pain, tenderness, and discomfort around affected joints. Overuse, injury and infection can cause inflammation. Bursitis can be found most commonly in the elbows, shoulders, hips and knees. About half of all adults older than 60 suffer from bursitis. Bursitis: Causes Bursitis is most commonly...

How to Treat Stomach Pains

One of the most prevalent ailments is stomach aches. Stomach pains can be mild or severe and affect anyone of any age. They may present as a temporary discomfort, or as a long-term condition. There are many causes for stomach pain. The most prevalent include Food Poisoning, Indigestionand Infections. There are many treatments available depending on what causes the stomach pain. These include prescription Medicationsand dietary modifications ...

Bipolar Disorder: What does it mean?

Bipolar disorder (also known as manic Depressionillness) is a brain disorder that can cause extreme mood swings, changes in energy and activity, as well as difficulty with daily tasks. Bipolar disorder is characterized by intense emotion, unusual sleep patterns, activity and behavior changes, as well as unusual mood swings. This is known as depressive or manic episodes. The National Institute of Mental...

Understanding Urinary Incontinence

Incontinence refers to the condition in which individuals have an uncontrollable and abrupt loss of urine. This condition affects up to 40%worldwide. You can have urinary incontinence from urge-induced or stress-induced. There is also mixed type. This condition is most common in women but can also affect men. Incontinence occurs most often due to weakening or damage of the muscles within your pelvic floor. These muscles can become weaker due to childbirth, pregnancy, age, and oth...

What Is Tinnitus? How can it be treated?

Tinnitus affects many people worldwide. Tinnitus can be described by a clicking, buzzing or ringing sound in your ears. They can be intermittent or continuous and range from mildly severe to very intense. Sometimes, these sounds can cause problems with concentration or sleeping. Tinnitus may be caused by a variety of factors, such as exposure to loud noises, ear Infectionsor even head and neck injuries. Up to 50 million Americanswill ex...

Type 2 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Overview

Millions of people around the world are affected by type 2 diabetes, a long-term condition. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by high blood sugar levels and Insulinresistance. If not properly managed, it can cause serious complications like Stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and blindness. Type 2 diabetes can still be managed with proper management. Type 2 diabetes, which is the most prevalent typ...

What's TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder (also known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ disorder)), is a disorder that affects the jaw, muscles, and facial bones. TMJ disorder is characterised by jaw pain, difficulty chewing or speaking, headaches and earaches. This disorder may interfere with daily activities and cause mild to severe symptoms. TMJ disorder affects over 10,000,000 Americans, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. TMJ disorder is more prevalent in women...

Acid Reflux - A Closer Look

Acid reflux (also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, GERD) is a condition in which stomach acid builds up and causes damage to the esophagus. Acid reflux can lead to burning and pain. Acid reflux is very common in America, where 25 million Americans experience it at least once per month. Acid reflux can be caused by a variety of things, such as certain foods and lifestyle choices, or Medications. There are many treatments that can be used to reduce or manage...

All You Need To Know About Psoriasis

Millions of people worldwide suffer from psoriasis, a chronic and inflammatory skin condition. The skin's cells become clogged up quickly, leading to itchy, thickened patches, and sometimes painful scales. Although psoriasis does not spread easily or can be contagious, it can impact your quality of life. The National Psoriasis Foundation estimates that approximately 125,000,000 people have psoriasis worldwide. According to the Nat...

Arthritis: What you need to know

Millions of people worldwide suffer from arthritis. Arthritis can be described as a broad term that covers over 100 conditions that impact the bones, joints and muscles. This condition can lead to stiffness, pain, swelling, and difficulties moving. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) estimates that approximately 54 million Americans have arthritis. Arthritis: What causes it? Age-related wear, injury and infection are t...

Endometriosis: A Comprehensive Overview

An estimated 10%of American women are affected by endometriosis, a debilitating and painful condition. Endometriosis occurs when tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the body grows on or near the uterus. The tissue reacts the same as the uterus' lining to Hormones, causing discomfort, inflammation and pain. Endometriosis may cause symptoms that can disrupt a woman’s daily functioning and lead to a varie...

Shingles: What are they?

Shingles is also called Herpeszoster and it causes painful skin eruptions. It is caused by the same virus as Chickenpox. Chickenpox is a virus that causes shingles. The virus remains in the body as an inactive state (dormant). The virus may become active and can cause shingles years later. One in three Americans will get shingles at some point in their lives. Shingles is most common in adults o...

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to a condition that causes pain in the sciatic nerve, lower back, hip, and leg. Sciatica is caused when the sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in our body) is compressed or irritated. It runs from the lower back down to the feet. Sciatica pain can range from mild to very severe. It can be severe and even debilitating in some cases. In the United States, more than 1,000,000 people suffer from sciatica each year. Sciatica is most common among adults older than 40 years. It'...

Everything You Need To Know About Stroke

Stroke is an illness that results in the loss of blood flow to the brain. This can be caused usually by a blockage of an artery, or the leakage of a vessel. It can cause paralysis, confusion and headaches, as well as difficulty understanding or speaking language. The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that stroke is second in death worldwide and tops the list for some countries. What exactly is a stroke? When b...

A Review of Dementia

A term that describes a group of symptoms that are related to cognitive decline is called dementia. This is a condition that affects memory, thinking and judgment as well as behavior. About 50 million people are affected by dementia worldwide. This number is expected to increase up to three times by 2050. This is the most common cause of dependency and disability in older age. Dementia: What causes it? There are m...

How to Learn About Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism refers to a disorder in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce the necessary Hormones. Hypothyroidism can cause fatigue, weight gain and dry skin. The disease affects approximately 4.6 percent the US population. Women are more affected than men. Hypothyroidism: What causes it? Hypothyroidism is most commonly caused by autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, radiation or surgical removal. Some Medicationsand congenital disor...

Hemorrhoids: Treatments and Natural Remedies

Hemorrhoids affect millions. Hemorrhoids are a common condition that affects 50 percent of adult population. Although hemorhoids are uncomfortable and painful, there are ways to minimize the discomfort and get rid of them completely. We'll be discussing hemorhoids in this article. It all boils down to: Hemorrhoids are also called piles and refer to enlarged veins within the anus or rectum. These are due to increased pressure in the rec...

What are Fibroids?

Non-cancerous tumors found in the uterus are called fibroids, or uterine myomas. Fibroids can range in size, from small to large and may be one or more. Fibroids aren't life-threatening but can lead to a host of symptoms, including heavy bleeding and pelvic pain. Fibroids can affect up to 80%, according to estimates. Fibroids: Common Causes Although the exact cause of fibroids remains unknown, there are several possible factors that could ...

Neuropathy: What are its Common Causes? Natural Remedies.

Neuropathy refers to a condition in which the nervous system is affected. This is due to damage to peripheral nerves that can be caused by various illnesses, injuries or Infections. Neuropathy may cause pain, numbness and tingling. It can even cause paralysis and loss of sensation in some cases. Neuropathy is a condition that can be experienced by anyone, regardless of age. However, it's more prevalent in people over 50. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Str...

All You Need To Know About Constipation

Millions of people worldwide suffer from constipation. This condition is characterised by infrequent or hard bowel movements and difficulty passing stool. Constipation is uncomfortable. It can cause gassiness, abdominal pain and bloating. You may also experience nausea or vomiting when you have constipation. It all boils down to: When waste products from the digestive tract are not moving as quickly, constipation can occur. This causes hard and dry stool ...

Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel syndrome, also known as IBS or IBS in America, is a condition of the digestive tract that affects about 10- 15%of Americans. You may experience abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Constipationand bloating. The symptoms can be mild or severe, and may last from weeks to months. IBS: What Are the Causes? Although the exact cause of IBS remains unknown, there are many theories. Stress, diet, Hormonesand changes to the microbiota in the gut all play an important rol...

What Is PCOS? How can it be treated?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder that affects around 10 million American women. An imbalance of Hormonescan lead to an increase or decrease in androgens (or male hormones), which can result in a range of symptoms including Infertility, irregular menstrual cycles and weight gain. What exactly is PCOS? PCOS affects many women all over the globe. This is due to an imbalance of hormones. It can cause irregular p...

What's Eczema? How can you treat it?

Eczema is also called atopic dermatology and affects many people around the world. This skin condition is characterised by itchy red patches that can become inflamed and painful. Although it can occur anywhere, most often, it is found on the skin's face and hands. There are many factors that can cause eczema, such as genetics and environmental triggers. Eczema can be triggered by pollen, dust mites and pet dander. Eczema can be worsened or triggered by stres...

Hyperglycemia: An Overview

A medical condition that causes abnormally high levels of blood sugar is called hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia is a medical condition in which the body doesn't produce enough Insulin, or fails to effectively use insulin that it does produce. This causes an abnormal rise in blood sugar. It can either be short-term (an acute occurrence) and long-term (a chronic, ongoing condition). This is a very common sign o...

Allergy Rhinitis: What Causes It? How to Treat it

Allergy rhinitis (also known as Hay Fever) is very common and affects many people around the world. When an allergy is caused by being exposed to pollen, animal hair, dust mites or mold, the body produces an allergic reaction. Itchy eyes and sneezing are all symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Up to 40 million Americans are affected by allergic rhinitis. This makes it one of America's most prevalent chronic diseases. Although it can happen a...

What's Hemochromatosis?

Hemochromatosis is also called iron overload disease. It's a condition where the body absorbs too much iron through the diet. The body's iron levels rise, leading to serious complications that can be life-threatening. Hereditary hemochromatosis, which affects about 1 in 200 Americans, is the most prevalent form. HHC is a risk factor that can affect between 8-10 million Americans. More than a million have been diagnosed. HHC...

How to Deal with Back Pain

The most frequent medical condition is back pain. A 2018 studyfound that over 25% of Americans have had back pain for at least 24 hours in the last three months. Around eight in ten Americans will suffer from back pain sometime during their lifetime. There are many factors that can cause back pain, ranging from minor to very severe. Poor posture, muscle strain and prolonged sitting are some of the most freque...

What's Asthma?

Asthma can be a chronic condition that causes difficulty in breathing. Asthma can be affecting anyone of any age and may cause wheezing and chest tightness as well as breathlessness. Asthma, which affects 339 million people around the world, is one of most prevalent chronic diseases. Over 25 million Americans suffer from asthma. This includes 6.2 million children. Asthma: Common Causes Although the exact cause of asthma is still unknown, there are several factors that may i...

How to treat shoulder pain: Understand the causes and treatment

All ages have shoulder pain. It may cause mild to severe discomfort. It is common to experience shoulder pain when you do activities such as lifting, pushing or pulling. You may also have an underlying condition such as tendonitis, Arthritis, Bursitisor bursitis. Sometimes, the shoulder pain can be a sign of a more severe medical condition, like a dislocation or rotator-cuff tear. Overuse injuries such as bursitis and tendinitis are the...

What is Fatty Liver Disease (FLD)?

Hepatic Steatosis is also called Fatty Liverdisease. This refers to a condition in which excess fat builds up in the liver. Up to 20%-30% of Americans have fatty liver disease. This can cause more severe problems like cirrhosis (scarring the liver) and liver cancer. It is important that you are aware of signs and symptoms related to fatty liver disease. Fatty Liver Disease: Common Causes Unhealthy lifestyles are the most frequent causes of fatty liver disea...

Hypertension: The Things You Should Know

High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a medical condition that can affect millions. Hypertension is when blood pressure exceeds the walls of your arteries. This can lead to Strokeand heart attacks. Hypertension, if left untreated can lead to serious complications like stroke and heart disease. It is actually one of the most common causes of death in the world. How can hypertension be caused? Hypertension can be caused by many things, such as lifestyle choices li...

Hyperthyroidism: Treatments, Causes and Remedies

The thyroid secretes too much thyroxine, which is known as hyperthyroidism. The body's metabolism speeds up which can lead to weight loss, rapid heartbeats, increased sweating, nervousness, Anxiety, hyperthyroidism, and tremor. While hyperthyroidism is a condition that can be affected by both men and woman, it's more prevalent in those between 20-40 years old. Hyperthyroidism affects between 2%and 3% of Americans. Hyperthyroidism: What Are the Causes? Graves disease is t...

What exactly is Vertigo?

Vertigo can be described as dizziness, spin, or loss in balance. Vertigo can result from a number of medical conditions including brain tumors and Multiple Sclerosis, inner ear Infections, trauma to the head, neck, or brain, as well as other health issues. Up to 40% of people will experience vertigo at some point in their lives. Vertigo can be described as a feeling of spinning, or tilting. It can also be associated with nausea, sweating and hea...

Malnutrition: An Overview

Malnutrition refers to a condition where there is a deficiency or imbalance in dietary intake. It can occur due to countless factors. Malnutrition is a serious global problem that affects millions and can have severe consequences for cognitive and physical development. While malnutrition is usually associated with poverty it may also result from insufficient access to nutrition or inadequate education. There are many types of malnutrition, incl...

Osteoporosis: A Comprehensive Guide

Osteoporosis refers to a condition that causes a reduction in bone density. This can lead to weak bones and increased fracture risk. Over 200 million people suffer from osteoporosis worldwide. This number will only increase as people age. This condition is often debilitating and it's important to know the causes, treatment options, as well as possible prevention measures. What's Osteoporosis and how can it be prevented? Osteoporosis refers to a condition where bones ...

Rosacea: What does it mean?

Rosacea, a skin condition with recurring symptoms that can affect more than 16 million Americans is known as a chronic skin condition. Rosacea is characterised by visible blood vessels and redness in the skin, usually appearing on the forehead, cheeks, Noseand chin. You may also experience burning or stinging sensations as well as small red bumps. It is not known what causes rosacea, but it is thought that genetics as well as environmental factors are responsible. ...

Understanding Urinary Tract Infections (UTI).

UTI is a painful and common condition that can affect many, particularly women. UTI is an infection in the urinary tract that can be caused either by bacteria or fungi. UTIs account for over 8 million annual visits to the healthcare provider in the United States. UTIs can cause burning or uncomfortable urination, a need to urinate frequently, bloody or cloudy urine, pressure around the stomach, or a sen...

What's Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) refers to an overgrowth of the prostate gland. It is a condition that affects men older than 50. BPH is the leading urological condition among men worldwide, with nearly 8 million Americans suffering from it. BPH may cause problems with your bladder, including frequent or difficult urination and decreased bladder control. BPH can lead to other complications such as bladder cancer, severe bladder Infectionsand blad...

What's Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease (also known as PD) is a progressive and chronic movement disorder. The brain's neurons that make dopamine are degenerating, leading to impaired balance and coordination, as well as movement problems. Around 7-10 million people are affected by Parkinson's Disease worldwide. Men are slightly more susceptible than women to the disease. The symptoms often appear gradually and start slowly. This makes diagnosis challenging. These symptoms ca...

A Review of Knee Pain

Many people complain of knee pain. The knee is one the most commonly injured joints in their bodies. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation estimates that approximately 25 million Americans experience knee pain every year. A variety of medical conditions can cause knee pain, which can vary from mild to severe throbbing. It is essential to fully understand what causes knee pain and the treatments that are available to treat it. Is it about anything? Multiple ...

Chronic Kidney Disease: Causes, Treatments and Tips

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition that damages the kidneys and causes them to become less able to remove toxins from the body, is known as. This progressive condition can lead to increased blood pressure or diabetes. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, CKD affects more than 37,000,000 Americans. What's Chronic Kidney Disease? CKD refers to impairment in kidney function due to a variety of diseases and con...

How can you treat insomnia?

It is a disorder of sleep that causes people to have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. This can result from stress, mental or physical health problems, lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and other causes. It can cause fatigue, Anxiety, Depression, difficulty concentrating and even other health conditions. There are many treatments that can help insomnia sufferers get the sleep they require. What's Insomnia? Insomnia can be defined as trouble falling asleep or...