What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a common neurologic health problem that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the body. It is accompanied by fatigue, disturbances in thought and memory, low moods, and extreme anxiety about the physical symptoms (somatic symptoms). Fibromyalgia affects approximately five million Americans every year and mostly affects women, although some men may also be affected by...
Foreign Body in the Ear: Symptoms, Signs, Removal & Remedies
How common is a foreign body in the ear? Is it serious? Picture of ear canal and inner ear structure Foreign objects in the ear are common reasons for emergency room visits, especially in children. The majority of these things are harmless. Some are extremely uncomfortable (insects or sharp objects) and some can rapidly produce an infection (food or organic...
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Life Expectancy, Symptoms & Stages
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) definition and facts Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis life expectancy is about 2 to 5 years. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a specific form of progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease that can cause pneumonia. Life expectancy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is about 2 to 5 years. People who have a lung transplant...
Impetigo Symptoms and Treatments Conditions
What are the symptoms of impetigo? Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that is caused by bacteria. Impetigo is a mild infection and can affect any part of the body. Mostly, it affects the nose and mouth or arms or legs. Symptoms include Red, itchy sores Leaks pus for a few days A yellow-colored scab formed over the sores There...
Colon Cleansing: Is it Helpful or Harmful?
What is colon cleansing? There is no scientific evidence that proves the benefits of colon cleansing. Colon cleansing is also called colon/colonic irrigation. It is the act of irrigating or flushing out the colon or large intestine. It is usually performed by a healthcare professional before medical procedures such as a colonoscopy or major surgeries. It may also be done...
Anorexia Nervosa: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What are the symptoms of anorexia nervosa? Anorexia is a psychological disorder when one takes extreme measures to lose weight. The warning signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa include: Physical signs: Low body mass index (<17.5 kg/m2) Bodyweight less than 85% of ideal body weight Body temperature less than 35°C Bradycardia (heartbeat less than 60 beats per minute) Hypotension (blood...
Depression and Suicide
What is depression? Depression increases the risk of suicide. Depression is a psychiatric illness that affects one in six people in the United States. Nearly two-thirds of people with depression do not realize that they have a treatable illness and do not seek treatment. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of despondency. It is different from the short-lived feeling of...
Circumcision Procedure: Pros & Cons & Benefits
Circumcision: Medical pros and cons facts and benefits Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Newborm cicumcision is a surgical procedure. Most physicians today agree with the practice of informing parents of the risks and benefits of the procedure in the unbiased manner. Inability to retract the foreskin fully at birth is not a medical reason for a circumcision. Circumcision prevents...
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms, Causes, Diet, Treatment & Medications
Ulcerative colitis facts The cause of ulcerative colitis is believed to be somehow related to abnormal immunologic reactions of the body to the bacteria normally found in the colon. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammation of the large intestine (colon). The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. Intermittent rectal bleeding, crampy abdominal pain, and diarrhea often are symptoms of ulcerative colitis....
Jaundice in Adults: Treatment, Symptoms, Causes, Test & Newborns
Jaundice definition and facts Readers Comments 6 Share Your Story Picture of Jaundice of the Face and Eyes Courtesy of the CDC Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and of the white of the eyes caused by elevated levels of the chemical bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia). The term jaundice is derived from the French word...