Meningococcemia facts This photo depicts purple necrotic lesions on the legs of a person who has meningococcemia. Meningococcemia is a bloodstream infection cause by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also called meningococcus. N. meningitidis is a contagious bacterium that spreads from person to person via respiratory secretions. Initially, patients present with fever and general body aches....
Sepsis (blood poisoning) facts Preventing infections and early diagnosis and treatment are the best ways to prevent sepsis. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that's associated with an infection. Blood poisoning is a nonmedical term that usually refers to the medical condition known as sepsis. There are three described clinical stages of sepsis. The...
Vaginal pain and vulvodynia definitions and facts Illustration of Vagina Vulvodynia (vaginal pain) refers to pain in the area of the vulva and vaginal opening for which no cause can be identified. Vulvodynia is not related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The exact cause of vulvodynia is not known. Symptoms include a burning, throbbing, or...
What is the 3 Day Military Diet? Share Your Story The 3 Day Military Diet plan has very strict guidelines for the menu plan. Surprisingly surviving the test of time, the 3 Day Military Diet is another fad diet, dating back to 1985. Copies of the "3 Day Diet" continue to float around cyberspace, promising...
Broken finger definition and facts Picture of Finger Anatomy Broken fingers or finger fractures, may account for up to 10% of all broken bones. Broken finger symptoms usually are pain immediately after the injured part of the finger, and sometimes a deformed finger. If the trauma is severe, broken bones may be exposed through the soft...
What is CA 125 test? What is a tumor marker? Readers Comments 100 Share Your Story CA 125 is elevated in ovarian cancer as well as in some benign conditions. CA 125 is a protein that is a so-called tumor marker or biomarker, which is a substance that is found in greater concentration in tumor...
What should I know about group B strep? Group B strep bacteria can cause infections in a pregnant woman and her baby. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are bacteria found normally in the intestine, vagina, and rectum in about 25% of all healthy pregnant women. Group B strep infections can affect newborn babies and adults. Most...
Prostate problems definition and facts* Common prostate problems are prostatitis, enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer. *Prostate problems facts medical author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD The prostate is a gland that is a part of the male reproductive system that wraps around the male urethra near the bladder. The gland is about the size of...
Sore throat definition and facts Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Picture of a Girl with Sore Throat Most sore throats are caused by viruses or mechanical causes (such as mouth breathing) and can be treated successfully at home. Sore throat symptoms include pain, burning, or scratching sensations at the back of the throat, pain...
Sunburn and sun poisoning definition and facts Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story Picture of acute sunburn Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV radiation damages the skin the eyes. Immediate symptoms of a sunburn are hot, red, tender skin; pain when the skin is...