Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) definition and facts Nausea can quickly lead to vomiting in some cases. Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a disorder that causes recurrent episodes of nausea, vomiting, and tiredness (lethargy) most often in children but may occur in all age groups. Cyclic vomiting syndrome is generally considered to be a variant of migraines by medical researchers. Research also...
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...
GERD (Acid Reflux, Heartburn): Symptoms, Treatment & Diet
GERD (acid reflux) facts When you swallow food, it travels down the esophagus and passes through a muscular ring known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This structure opens to allow food to pass into the stomach. It is supposed to remain closed to keep stomach contents where they belong. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which the...
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 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...
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...
Epidural Steroid Injection: Possible Side Effects & Complications
What is an epidural steroid injection? Picture of a disc herniation compressing the spinal nerve root An epidural steroid injection is a common procedure to treat spinal nerve irritation that is most often caused by tissues next to the nerve pressing against it. The beginning of the nerve (nerve root) may be irritated by a bulging intervertebral disc, disc contents...
Frozen Shoulder Causes, Treatment, Symptoms, Diagnosis
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) facts Shoulder pain and stiffness are symptoms of a frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder is the result of scarring, thickening, and shrinkage of the joint capsule. Any injury to the shoulder can lead to adhesive capsulitis. Frozen shoulder symptoms and signs include loss of range of shoulder movement, stiffness, and pain. A frozen shoulder is usually diagnosed...
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) Symptoms & Treatment
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) facts Enterococci (genus Enterococcus) are bacteria that commonly live in the bowel and are usually resistant to many antibiotics. VRE are enterococci that have become resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. There are only a few antibiotics that are able to treat VRE infections. However, newer antibiotics are being developed. People can be colonized with VRE, meaning that...