Neutrophils are white blood cells (WBC). Neutrophils are white blood cells (WBC). These cells fight infections in the body. A high neutrophil count may be due to many physiological conditions and diseases. In most cases, high neutrophils count is commonly associated with an active bacterial infection in the body. In rare cases, the high neutrophil count may also result from...
What Does Riboflavin Do for the Body?
Most of the consumed riboflavin is released into its free form in the stomach. Most of the consumed riboflavin is released into its free form in the stomach and is rapidly absorbed by the small intestine. In the intestinal mucosal cells (the inner lining of the bowel), it is converted to its active forms called flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and...
What Does Amniocentesis Test For?
Amniocentesis can test for various conditions in the baby while still in the uterus Amniocentesis is a procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid (the fluid present around the unborn baby in the uterus) is removed for testing or treatment purposes. The amniotic fluid contains fetal cells and various proteins. Analyzing the fetal cells in the amniotic fluid...
What Causes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic disorder Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic disorder in which acid reflux occurs at least two times a week for several weeks. Acid reflux is a condition in which the acidic stomach contents leak back in the food pipe (esophagus) and cause heartburn. GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is...
What Happens When Vagina Gets Wet?
The vaginal fluid is a thin layer of fluid that lines the vaginal walls The vaginal fluid is a thin layer of fluid that lines the vaginal walls and helps: Lubricating the vagina, which makes the intercourse easier Minimizing or preventing vaginal pain Supporting fertility Several factors may cause vaginal wetness; sexual arousal is not the only reason. It can...
What Foods Are Highest in Vitamin D?
What is vitamin D? Vitamin D is naturally available in foods like salmon, herring, sardines, egg yolks, and mushrooms. Another common way to consume vitamin D is to eat foods that have been fortified with it. Vitamin D is important to keep the body healthy. It helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are...
What Causes Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?
Causes of HCM include genetic defects. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a condition in which heart muscle becomes thickened affecting its function. Causes of HCM include genetic defects. Researchers are still learning why some people with genetic changes develop the disease and others don’t. Younger people are likely to have a more severe form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, the condition is seen...
What Does High Ketones in Blood Mean?
High ketone levels in your blood could mean that you have diabetic ketoacidosis Ketones are substances produced by your liver when your body doesn’t have enough glucose (blood sugar) to use as an energy source. When your body is low on glucose or insulin, it finds a way to burn fats for energy. The breakdown of these fats turns into...
What Happens if You Don’t Treat a Yeast Infection?
Are yeast infections contagious? Untreated yeast infections may spread to other areas or other people. Yeast infections are contagious. They can be transmitted through sexual contact. Those with weak immunity have a high risk of the infection. Yeast infections can be vaginal (candidiasis), oral (thrush) or penile. Mucocutaneous yeast infections (those affecting the body creases where moisture accumulates) may not...
What Is a Normal TSH Level in a Woman? Chart & Abnormal Levels
The normal range of TSH levels in non-pregnant adult women is 0.5 to 5.0 mIU/L. In women, during the menstruation cycle, pregnancy, or after menopause, TSH levels may fall slightly outside the normal range, because of fluctuating levels of estrogen. The normal range of TSH levels in non-pregnant adult women is 0.5 to 5.0 mIU/L. During the first trimester of...