What is dandruff? Share Your Story The exact origin of the term is rather obscure. Dander consists of white to tan flakes found on fur or feathers. Ruff, the second syllable, probably originates from the word scurfy, which means scale arising from the most superficial layer of the skin. In any case, dandruff is the...
Author: Fox News (Fox News )
Can You Live a Long Life With Cystic Fibrosis?
Can you live a long life with cystic fibrosis? Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive disease that needs daily care. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive disease that needs daily care. Though a patient needs to take medications lifelong, most people with cystic fibrosis are usually able to attend school and work. The improvement in screening and...
Direct vs. Indirect Hernia: Similarities and Differences
Facts you should know about direct vs. indirect hernias Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Approximately 800,000 hernia surgeries are performed every year in the U.S. Inguinal hernias are diagnosed by physical examination. Surgery (laparoscopic or open technique) is the standard treatment for a hernia. Hernia compilations can range from minor pain to a need...
How Do I Calculate My BMI? Calculator, Chart & Health Benefits
BMI is a way to determine if a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. Body mass index (BMI) is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. The formula for calculating BMI is given in Table 1 or you can use the body mass index calculator below. Maintaining a healthy weight...
Can Tuberculosis Be Cured?
What is tuberculosis? Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can be cured with antibiotics. Tuberculosis (TB) infection is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mostly affects your lungs but it can also affect other parts of the body including the lymph glands, brain, kidneys, bowels or bones. Being the world’s top infectious killer...
Are Canker Sores Contagious? How Are They Spread?
What are canker sores? Canker sores are small painful ulcers in the mucous membranes that form the inner lining of the mouth. The cause of canker sores is unclear; no viral or bacterial cause has been proven. Researchers think that they occur or are triggered to occur in individuals when a certain set of circumstances...
Is Croup Contagious? Transmission
What is croup? Share Your Story Croup is very contagious. It is spread by airborne droplets usually from an infected child to another child or adult. Croup is infectious inflammation of the larynx and trachea usually in children. Croup typically interferes with breathing and causes a barking cough. The individual may be without a fever...
What Causes Compartment Syndrome? Symptoms, 5 P’s & Treatment
Compartment syndrome facts Muscles are contained in compartments covered by thick fibrous bands of tissue or fascia. Because of injury, pressure can increase within the compartment to swelling (fluid accumulation) or bleeding. Compartment syndrome describes increased pressure within a muscle compartment of the arm or leg. It is most often due to injury, such as fracture,...
Is H. pylori Infection Contagious? Can You Get It by Kissing?
What is H. pylori? H. pylori is considered to be contagious and passed from person to person by saliva, fecal contamination, and poor hygiene practices. Source by iStock H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) are spiral shaped bacteria. H. pylori bacteria are unique because they produce the enzyme urease that allows the bacteria to live in the...
Cold vs. Flu: Similarities, Differences & Chart
Cold vs. flu facts Share Your Story One way to determine if you have a common cold versus the flu is that flu symptoms are usually much more severe. The common cold and flu share many symptoms, and it can be difficult or sometimes impossible to tell the difference based on symptoms alone. Medical tests...




