HE often starts slowly, and the patient may not be aware of it. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a condition in which brain function is severely compromised because of liver failure due to severe liver disease. It can be short term or long-standing. HE often starts slowly, and at first, the patient may not be aware of it. Below are the...
Muscle Pain (Myofascial Pain Syndrome) Treatment, Causes & Symptoms
Facts you should know about myofascial pain syndrome Optimal treatment of muscle pain (myofascial pain syndrome) can be a multifaceted approach. Muscle pain, tenderness, and spasm are characteristics of myofascial pain syndrome. Myofascial pain syndrome typically affects muscle in asymmetric areas of the body. The precise cause of myofascial pain syndrome is not known. Myofascial pain syndrome leads to localized...
Can You Fully Recover From Guillain-Barre Syndrome? Causes & Symptoms
Full recovery from Guillain-Barre can happen, but it may take months to years. Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) may last between 14 and 30 days and you may slowly recuperate from it. Usually, recovery takes 6 to 12 months, but for some people, it could take up to 3 years. Some people need surgery, physical therapy, or orthopedic appliances to regain their...
HIV Life Expectancy and Long-term Outlook
How long does a person with HIV live? People with HIV can live a healthy and long life With early diagnosis and proper treatment, people with HIV can live a healthy and long life. There is no generalized definitive period for which a person with HIV can live. In the case of untreated HIV infection, the overall mortality rate is...
Dental Crowns: Types, Purpose, Procedure and Cost
What is a dental crown? A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth. The anatomy of a tooth can be divided into two basic parts — the root and the crown. In a person with healthy gums and bone, the root of the tooth is covered by the gums and bone. The crown is the...
Colon Cleansing: All You Need to Know
What is colon cleansing? Colon cleansing is also called colon/colonic irrigation. 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 as preparation of the bowels for medical procedures such as a colonoscopy or before major surgeries. It may also be...
Beyond Food: What Triggers Heartburn and GERD?
What triggers heartburn? In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the LES does not close properly allowing the stomach contents to leak back or reflux into the food pipe and irritate it. Heartburn is the burning sensation in the chest due to backflow or reflux of the acidic stomach contents into the food pipe (esophagus). Heartburn is a major symptom of gastroesophageal...
Can You Pop a Hemorrhoid?
How would I know if I have hemorrhoids? You should not try to pop a hemorrhoid. Hemorrhoids or piles are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus or lower part of the rectum (the terminal part of the large bowel). Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women. It is estimated that 1 in 20 Americans have hemorrhoids. They occur more...
Can You Get Rid of HPV Once You Have It?
What is HPV? HPV is a common sexually transmitted disease that often resolves on its own. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a type of virus that is different from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes virus (HSV). It is the most common cause of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States. HPV infects about 14 million people, including teens, each...
Can a Woman Give a Man HPV?
What exactly is HPV? It is possible for a woman to give a man HPV and vice versa. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a type of virus that is different from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes virus (HSV). It is the most common cause of sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States. HPV infects about 14 million people, including...