What is avanafil (Stendra), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Avanafil is an oral drug that is used for treating impotence (the inability to attain or maintain a penile erection), also known as erectile dysfunction (ED). It is in a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors that also includes tadalafil (Cialis), sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra). Erection of...
HDL vs. LDL Cholesterol: What’s the Difference Between Them?
What are HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol? Share Your Story <span class=HDL cholesterol protects against narrowing of blood vessels while the LDL may make the narrowing worse. Cholesterol is a fat-like (lipid-like) substance that your body uses as a building block to produce hormones, vitamin D, and digestive juices that help you break down fats in your diet. HDL...
The Beta Thalassemia Trait: Anemia Symptoms, Treatment & Diagnosis
What is beta thalassemia? People with thalassemia make defective hemoglobin, the compound in blood that carries oxygen. Thalassemias are inherited blood disorders. Thalassemia patients make defective hemoglobin. There are two forms of beta thalassemia: thalassemia minor and thalassemia major (also called Cooley's anemia). Beta thalassemia is classically described in people of Italian and Greek origin. What are the thalassemias? Readers...
18 Heat Stroke Symptoms & Signs, Treatment & Prevention
Heat stroke facts Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Heat stroke can be fatal. Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature is elevated dramatically. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated. The cause of heat stroke is an elevation in body temperature, often accompanied by dehydration....
Hepatitis A Vaccine (Havrix, Vaqta): Side Effects & Dosage
What is hepatitis A vaccine? What are the uses for hepatitis A vaccine? Hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix, Vaqta) is used to prevent hepatitis A, a type of liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter from contact with food, drinks, or objects which have been contaminated...
Cipro (ciprofloxacin) Antibiotic Side Effects, Uses, Dosage
What is Cipro? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. It stops the multiplication of bacteria by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA). The FDA approved ciprofloxacin in October 1987. Ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics. Examples of other antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone class...
Calamine Lotion for Sunburn, Poison Ivy, & Shingles Relief
What is Topical Calamine Lotion? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Calamine is a mixture of zinc oxide and other components. Calamine and zinc oxide are topical anti-itch lotions. Although the exact mechanism of how calamine and zinc oxide work is not known, they have skin protecting and astringent properties that relieve itching. They also seem to slow down...
Benign Uterine Growths: Symptoms, Treatments & Causes
What are uterine growths? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Illustration of the female reproductive system Uterine growths are tissue enlargements of the female womb (uterus). Uterine growths can be caused by either harmless or dangerous conditions. Growths are sometimes referred to medically as masses or tumors. An example of a harmless (benign or non-cancerous) growth, which does not pose...
Chewing Tobacco Health Effects (Cancer Facts, How to Quit)
Chewing tobacco facts Chewing tobacco contains nicotine and many known cancer-causing substances. Smokeless, snuff, or chewing tobacco contains nicotine as well as many known carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). More nicotine is absorbed by chewing tobacco than by smoking a cigarette. Chewing tobacco use is a risk factor for the development of oral cancers and precancers. Other health risks of chewing tobacco...
Why Am I So Tired After Surgery? Here Are 7 Reasons
Postsurgical fatigue introduction When you are tired after surgery, your body is telling you to rest. Patients often question why they are so tired after surgery. Many patients think that because they have been “put to sleep with anesthesia” that they should be refreshed and have more energy as they recover from their surgery. However, the tired feeling (fatigue) after...