Author: Fox News (Fox News )

What is an arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)? Picture of the great vessels of the heart. When the heart's electrical system malfunctions, the normal rhythm of the heart can be affected. Depending upon the abnormality, the heart may begin to beat too fast, too slow, irregularly, or not at all. Heart rhythm disorders are often referred...

Most of the time, the terms adhesions and scar tissue are used interchangeably. Most of the time, the terms adhesions and scar tissue are used interchangeably. They are the same thing. Scar tissue is the collection of cells and a protein called collagen at the injury site. Scar forms outside the body on your skin...

Things to know about adenoidectomy surgery Adenoidectomy is a surgical proceedure that often accompanies tonsillectomy. Adenoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove the adenoids. Adenoids are a mass of lymphoid tissue located behind the nasal passages. All surgical procedures have risks and potential complications. Understanding what is involved before, during, and after adenoidectomy can...

What is a joint aspiration (arthrocentesis)? Joint aspiration is typically performed by a doctor or ancillary health care provider as an office procedure or at the bedside of hospitalized patients. Joint aspiration is a procedure whereby a sterile needle and syringe are used to drain synovial fluid from a patient's joint. Joint aspiration is typically...

What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA or ObamaCare)? This was adapted from an Apr. 24, 2013, discussion with Kyle Lee, a consultant in health-care reform with MedTrack, Inc., of Springfield, MO. What follows are Mr. Lee's concepts of the future health-care landscape as he relayed them to me. — William C. Shiel Jr. MD,...

Greens and beans are healthy additions to almost any diet plan Greens and beans are healthy additions to almost any diet plan because of their low-calorie level and fat content. Additionally, they are nutrient dense because they provide beneficial vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and their nutrients provide several health benefits. Some of the health benefits...

Facts you should know about Still's disease A salmon-colored rash may be a sign of juvenile RA. Still's disease is commonly associated with a high spiking fever and a rash that doesn't itch. Still's disease always causes joint inflammation (arthritis). The cause of Still's disease is not known. Still's disease can be associated with inflammation...

What is antibiotic resistance? Antibiotics are medications used to kill or slow the growth of bacteria and some fungi. Antibiotics are not effective in treating infections caused by viruses. The definition of antibiotic resistance is the adaptive change in bacteria (mutation) that allows them to grow in the presence of a drug (an antibiotic) that...

Things to know about hair loss in men and in women Most hair loss is not associated with systemic or internal disease, nor is poor diet a frequent factor. Hair may simply thin as a result of predetermined genetic factors and the overall aging process. Hair loss without scarring of the scalp is a very...

What is asthma in children? Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterized by recurrent, reversible, airway obstruction. Airway inflammation leads to airway hyperreactivity, which causes the airways to narrow in response to various stimuli, including allergens, exercise, and cold air. How common is asthma in children? Asthma is the most common chronic...