Why are calcium levels low in renal failure? The kidneys help regulate calcium levels in the body. There is a complex coordination between the calcium controlling glands (the parathyroid gland), vitamin D (made by the skin or a diet) and the kidneys that is affected once kidney disease progresses. Renal failure usually causes calcium imbalance....
What is nitazoxanide tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nitazoxanide is an oral medication that prevents growth of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum. Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum are protozoans that cause diarrhea. Nitazoxanide works by interfering with the conversion of chemicals to energy in protozoal cells. The FDA approved nitazoxanide on...
What is oral folic acid? How is oral folic acid used? Folic acid and folate are water-soluble forms of vitamin B9 that is naturally found in many of the foods we eat. Folate occurs naturally in food while folic acid is the man-made form of this important vitamin. Common dietary sources of folate include green...
What is Ajovy, and what is it used for? Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution for subcutaneous injection, supplied in a single-dose 225 mg/1.5 mL prefilled syringe. Ajovy is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. It is not known if...
What is a yeast infection? What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)? Share Your Story Yeast infections and UTIs both cause painful urination. A yeast infection is an infection with any type of yeast, but people commonly use the term to refer to vaginal yeast infections in women. A yeast known as Candida albicans typically...
What is ankylosing spondylitis? The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not known. A combination of age, sex, and genetic and environmental factors may increase the risk of ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), also called Bechterew disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease. Ankylosing spondylitis affects the joints of the body, especially the small joints of...
What is a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube? A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube involves the insertion of an SB tube either through the nose or mouth to slow or stop bleeding from the esophagus or stomach caused due to varices. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube (SB) tube is a red tube that prevents or slows bleeding from the esophagus or stomach caused...
What causes a thumb dislocation? Thumb dislocations are usually caused by bending the thumb backward (hyperextension) beyond its normal range. A forceful trauma (e.g., sports injury or fall) to any of the figure joints can result in finger dislocation (movement of bone out of its original position). The thumb consists of only two joints, whereas...
What is esophagoscopy? Esophagoscopy may be done through the nose and involves inserting a long, flexible tube with a lighted camera to examine the inside of the esophagus. Esophagoscopy is a procedure to examine the inner lining (mucosa) of the esophagus. During endoscopy a flexible tube with a lighted camera (endoscope) is inserted through the...
What is laparoscopy used for? Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive technique used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery or keyhole surgery that helps diagnose and treat many health conditions. A laparoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and small video camera on the end. The tube...