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Things to know about ankylosing spondylitis Picture of areas of inflammation in ankylosing spondylitis Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis featuring chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints (sacroiliitis). Ankylosing spondylitis belongs to a group of arthritis conditions that tend to cause chronic inflammation of the spine (spondyloarthropathies). Ankylosing spondylitis affects males...

Things to know about encephalopathy Hepatic encephalopathy can occur when your liver stops filtering toxins from your blood. The causes of encephalopathy are numerous and varied; they include infections, anoxia, metabolic problems, toxins, drugs, physiologic changes, trauma, and other causes. Encephalopathy is a general term that refers to brain disease, damage, or malfunction. The major...

Things to know about heart attack It cannot be overemphasized how important it is to seek prompt medical attention when symptoms suggesting a heart attack occur. Early diagnosis and treatment save lives, and delays in obtaining medical assistance can be fatal. A heart attack results when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the...

What does a gnat look like? Gnats are tiny (about 1/8 inch long), dark, mosquito-like flies with antennae and long legs. One of the most effective ways of getting rid of gnats inside your house is to handle the breeding ground. Gnats are small flies you may see in your sink or around your lit...

COPD can eventually restrict activities and diminish the quality of life for many people. Episodes of shortness of breath or breathlessness (medically called dyspnea) occur in individuals with severe, life-limiting conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These episodes may last for a few seconds to hours and occur periodically. An episode of breathlessness...

What causes the common cold? The common cold is a viral infection that affects your nose and throat. There is no cure for the cold while breastfeeding, so you’ll need to give it time to clear up. A common cold is usually harmless, even though it can make you feel terrible. Oftentimes, the best treatment...

Low libido can be caused by a wide variety of factors, from stress to hormonal changes Libido, or sex drive, naturally fluctates over time. Low libido can be caused by a wide variety of factors, from stress to hormonal changes. Fortunately, there are things you can do that can help spice up your sex life. Here...

What is tongue scraping? Scraping your tongue is a quick way to remove unwanted, unneeded material that can cause bad breath and other side effects. Scrape your tongue every time you brush and floss your teeth. Scraping your tongue is a quick way to remove unwanted, unneeded material that can cause bad breath and other...

Plant sterols or phytosterols are found naturally in vegetable oils and several fruits. Plant sterols were initially discovered to have cholesterol-lowering properties in the 1950s when they were extracted from vegetable fats or oils and pine trees and tested for efficacy.  Plant sterols are preferentially absorbed by the intestines in place of cholesterol, decreasing cholesterol...

Things to know about cuts, scrapes (abrasions), and puncture wounds Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story If a wound if won’t stop bleeding or there are signs of infection, you should contact a doctor. Washing a cut or scrape with soap and water and keeping it clean and dry are all that is required to care for...