Author: Fox News (Fox News )

What is a sedimentation rate? Readers Comments 16 Share Your Story A sedimentation rate blood test (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR, or sed rate) measures how quickly red blood cells collect at the bottom of a container, revealing information about general inflammation levels in the body. It's non-specific and is part of screening for a variety...

Facts you should know about Felty's syndrome Felty's syndrome is a complication of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with Felty's syndrome can have more infections than the average person and can develop leg ulcers. The cause of Felty's syndrome is not known. Felty's syndrome is diagnosed by the presence of three conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, an enlarged...

Facts you should know about diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) DISH is characterized by unique, flowing calcification along the sides of the contiguous vertebrae of the spine. Symptoms of DISH include intermittent pains and stiffness in the areas of the bony changes of the spine and inflamed tendons. DISH is diagnosed when the characteristic flowing...

How common is skin cancer? Skin cancer is the commonest type of cancer in the United States. The skin is the largest organ in the body with a surface area of around 2 sq ft in an average adult. Skin cancer is the commonest type of cancer in the United States. The skin is the...

The menstrual cycle has three phases: follicular, ovulation, and luteal. Learn about what happens during each phase The menstrual cycle has three phases based on the timing of release of the egg (ovum): Follicular phase: Before the release of the egg; menstrual bleeding occurs during this phase. Ovulation phase: Egg is released. Luteal phase: After...

Bowel incontinence (fecal incontinence) definition Picture of a Person with Bowel Incontinence Fecal incontinence can be defined as the unintentional loss of stool (feces) or gas (flatus). It is often due to a failure of one or more of the components that allow the body to control the evacuation of feces, when it is socially...

What does edema look like? Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Edema is observable swelling from fluid accumulation in body tissues. What is edema? Readers Comments 9 Share Your Story Edema is observable swelling from fluid accumulation in body tissues. When parts of the body are affected with edema, they are considered edematous. Edema most...

Because palmoplantar pustulosis can be resistant to treatment, it may take some time to find what works for you Although there is no cure for palmoplantar pustulosis, treatment can help manage symptoms. Because palmoplantar pustulosis can be resistant to treatment, however, it may take some time to find what works for you. Certain preventative measures...

Endocarditis facts Endocarditis is an inflammation of the heart valves caused by bacteria. Symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, weakness, aching joints and muscles, night sweats, and others. Endocarditis is an inflammation of the valves of the heart. Endocarditis is often caused by the growth of bacteria on one of the heart valves, leading to a...

Facts you should know about facial nerve problems and Bell's palsy Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story One-sided facial paralysis is a sign of Bell’s palsy. Facial nerve disorders affect the muscles of the face. There are many causes of facial nerve disorders. A number of tests can be helpful to diagnose the cause of...