Down syndrome also known as trisomy 21, is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. It is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. In every cell in the human body there is a nucleus, where genetic material is stored in…
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the abdomen, beneath the liver. The gallbladder holds a digestive fluid that’s released into the small intestine. Cause Gallstones are by far the most common cause of acute cholecystitis. Bile can build up in the gallbladder if…
Kidney stones can develop in one or both kidneys and most often affect people aged 30 to 60. It is quite common, with around three in 20 men and up to two in 20 women developing them at some stage of their lives. The medical term for kidney stones in nephrolithiasis, and if they cause…
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the human body. It carries blood from the heart up to the head and arms and down to the abdomen, legs, and pelvis. The walls of the aorta can swell or bulge out like a small balloon if they become weak. This is called an abdominal aortic…
Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers. It occurs more frequently in men than it does in women and usually affects older adults, though it can happen at any age. Bladder cancer most often begins in the cells (urothelial cells) that line the inside of the bladder — the hollow, muscular organ in…
Meniere’s disease is a disorder that affects the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for hearing and balance. The condition causes vertigo, the sensation of spinning. It also leads to hearing problems and a ringing sound in the ear. Meniere’s disease usually affects only one ear. Symptoms Recurring episodes of vertigoHearing lossRinging in the…
A bunion is a bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe. It occurs when some of the bones in the front part of the foot move out of place. This causes the tip of the big toe to get pulled toward the smaller toes and forces the joint…
Ectopic pregnancy is a complication of pregnancy in which the embryo attaches outside the uterus. Pregnancy begins with a fertilized egg. Normally, the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus. Oftentimes ectopic pregnancy occurs in…
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout a person’s life. It affects how a person acts and interacts with others, communicates, and learns. Until recently, experts talked about different types of autism, such as autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified…
Ankylosing spondylitis or AS, is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can become involved. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched-forward posture. If ribs are affected,…
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body’s organs. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that develops in the linings of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Mesothelioma treatments are available, but for many people with mesothelioma, a cure isn’t possible. …
Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells found in several areas of the body. Neuroblastoma most commonly arises in and around the adrenal glands, which have similar origins to nerve cells and sit atop the kidneys. Neuroblastoma can also develop in other areas of the abdomen and in the chest, neck and…
A dental abscess is a collection of pus that can form inside the teeth, in the gums or in the bone that holds the teeth in place. It’s caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria exist in plaque, a by-product of food, saliva, and bacteria in the mouth, which sticks to the teeth and damages them…
Heart Failure, also known as congestive heart failure (CHF) and congestive cardiac failure (CCF), is when the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow to meet the body’s needs. Certain conditions, such as narrowed arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure, gradually leave the heart too weak or…
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying, shocking or dangerous event — either by experiencing it or witnessing it. PTSD has been known by many names in the past, such as “shell shock” during the years of World War I and “combat fatigue” after World War II. …
Hyperpigmentation is a harmless condition but it can cause unevenness that is hard to camouflage with make-up. Better known as dark spots, hyperpigmentation may be apparent as melasma — brown patches on adult skin — or as sun spots due to too much exposure to the sun resulting in an excess production of melanin. These…
Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer. It starts in the upper part of the throat, behind the nose. This area is called the nasopharynx. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is difficult to detect early, because the nasopharynx isn’t easy to examine and symptoms of nasopharyngeal carcinoma mimic those of other, more-common conditions. Symptoms…
Traditional Chinese herbal remedies are part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and have been used in China for thousands of years. Traditional Chinese herbal remedies are a large part of TCM. They can be given as pills, teas, powders, liquid extracts or syrups. Hundreds of different types of herbs are used in TCM, and TCM…
Gastroenteritis is a very common condition that causes diarrhea and vomiting. It’s usually caused by a bacteria or viral tummy bug. It is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasites. Its cause is often a norovirus. It spread through contaminated food or water or by contact with…
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement. In the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, the patient’s face may show little or no expression….